Eating and drinking may seem simple. After all, many children learn to do both through trial and error without professional intervention. However, both are actually very complex tasks, requiring many underlying skills. Children need to know how to stabilize their jaw in an open position to accept a bite of food. The lips need to assist in pulling food off a spoon. The tongue needs to move food to the molars or gum ridges for chewing, then work with the cheeks to hold food in place until chewing is complete. The jaw needs strength and endurance to chew a piece of food fully. The oral structures need to work together to successfully move food back for a swallow. That’s a lot of work!
Pediatric Dysphagia is when a child has difficulty safely and effectively swallowing food or liquid. Dysphagia can have many causes including neurological conditions, complex medical histories, genetic conditions, and structural abnormalities.
If your child has a diagnosis of dysphagia, our clinic can help. Contact us to schedule a free feeding therapy consultation to learn more.
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