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Early Childhood Intervention
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challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
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a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
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Food Concerns
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Questions & Answers - Food Concerns
I work with a child who has just turned two. The child receives
early intervention services. The child prefers soft foods and still uses
a bottle. This has led to dental/oral complications such as tooth decay.
One of the child's IFSP goals is to reduce mouth stuffing. What are some
ways to help teach the child not to stuff his mouth when eating? (The
child does not like spicy or tangy foods).
I would definitely work on also weaning this child from the
bottle and onto a straw cup (not a sipper which will also promote
tooth decay) if possible. I would guide the family to only present
meals in small portions or even present foods one bite at a time
instead of giving the child a whole chicken nugget to bite into,
give him one bite sized piece and begin to work on a pattern of chew
and swallow before he is allowed a second bite. If his teeth are
poor, he may be having extreme difficulty chewing, and possibly due
to poor dental hygiene his teeth (oral cavity) may be very
sensitive, which could be one reason he does not like spicy or tangy
foods. I would also add oral motor play with a Nuk brush, vibrating
toys, etc to wake up his mouth before eating. I would definitely
teach the child some tooth brushing skills, and a vibrating tooth
brush may be helpful.
Brushing the tongue and cheeks can stimulate tongue lateralization.
Mouth stuffing sometimes occurs when children are under-sensitive in the
mouth and need all that food in there for them to be able to sense where
food is within the oral cavity. Some children may have difficulty with
lateralizing foods by using their tongue or having trouble chewing in a
rotary fashion. If he does not tolerate spicy foods, use crunchy foods, cold
foods, ice chips, or sips of carbonated water to wake up the mouth. You can
use a mirror during eating so he can watch himself chew and eat and let him
look into his own mouth to see and feel it is empty before he takes another
bite. I'd also try to persuade the family to get him to a pediatric dentist.
Back to: Therapist Questions
& Answers - Food Concerns
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