A swallowing assist device for assisting swallowing includes a respiration detection part, an application unit, and a control part. The respiration detection part detects respiration. The application unit is attached to a target section to apply a stimulus for facilitation of swallowing. The control part controls the application unit. The control part controls the application unit to start application of the stimulus to the target section during an expiration period detected according to a detection signal from the respiration detection part, and terminate the application of the stimulus to the target section during the expiration period.