A pilot study was conducted to determine the effect of isometric lingual exercises on swallowing function in a sample of 44 patients with dysphagia. They participated in a four-week long intervention designed to improve and strengthen swallowing function using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Patients were pre-tested and post-tested on the IOPI, ASHA NOMS swallowing level scale, and the penetration aspiration scale. Significant pre-test/post-test differences were found on all assessments for all participants, showing increased tongue strength and swallowing safety. In addition, of 25 participants for whom there were complete data, 13 were upgraded in the consistency of food they could ingest. Results suggest that lingual exercises can ameliorate some consequences of dysphagia.