As parents and caregivers, we all want to see our children thrive in their early years—growing, learning, and developing essential skills. However, some children may experience challenges with oral functions such as eating, speaking, or even breathing properly. These difficulties, known as **oral dysfunction**, can impact a child's ability to communicate, eat a variety of foods, and maintain good oral health. Fortunately, early intervention and therapy can make a world of difference.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of oral dysfunction in children and five key therapies that can help support their development.

What is Oral Dysfunction?

Oral dysfunction refers to difficulties in the movement and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw. These challenges can manifest in different ways, including:

• Trouble chewing and swallowing
• Speech and articulation difficulties
• Mouth breathing or airway issues
• Sensory aversions to certain textures or temperatures
• Excessive drooling or oral habits such as biting or chewing non-food objects

While oral dysfunction can have multiple causes—including neurological conditions, muscle weakness, tongue ties, or sensory processing challenges—targeted therapy can significantly improve a child's oral motor function.

Five Effective Therapies for Oral Dysfunction

Addressing oral dysfunction requires a tailored approach that meets a child's unique needs. The following therapies have proven effective in helping children develop proper oral motor skills, speech, and feeding abilities.

1. Speech Therapy

Best for: Children with difficulty forming sounds, slurred speech, or tongue thrusting.

Speech therapy helps children strengthen their oral muscles and improve articulation. Speech therapists use interactive exercises, such as blowing bubbles or practicing certain sounds, to develop proper tongue, lip, and jaw movement. For children with difficulty pronouncing words clearly, speech therapy can enhance communication skills and confidence.

2. Occupational Therapy

Best for: Children with sensory-related oral aversions or delays in self-feeding skills.

Some children struggle with textures, temperatures, or the overall sensation of food in their mouths. Occupational therapists (OTs) help desensitize children to these stimuli using exposure therapy, sensory play, and adaptive feeding strategies. For example, an OT may introduce crunchy or chewy foods gradually to build oral tolerance and improve chewing skills.

3. Myofunctional Therapy

Best for: Children who mouth-breathe, have poor tongue posture, or struggle with swallowing.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and jaw to function correctly. Children who breathe through their mouths or have improper tongue posture may experience difficulties with speech, chewing, and even dental alignment. Exercises such as tongue stretches, lip strengthening, and proper swallowing techniques help restore balanced oral function.

4. Dietary and Feeding Therapy

Best for: Children with feeding difficulties, picky eating, or difficulty transitioning to solid foods.

Feeding therapy, often guided by a speech therapist or occupational therapist, helps children learn how to chew and swallow effectively. This therapy may involve modified textures, structured mealtimes, and specialized utensils to promote safe and independent eating. Encouraging positive mealtime experiences can significantly improve a child’s relationship with food.

5. Surgical or Orthodontic Intervention

Best for: Children with physical restrictions like tongue-tie, lip-tie, or airway obstructions.

Some cases of oral dysfunction require medical intervention. A tongue-tie or lip-tie release (frenectomy) can improve a child's ability to move their tongue freely for proper speech and swallowing. Additionally, orthodontic treatments or tonsil and adenoid removal can help children with airway issues or severe malocclusions.

Early Intervention is Key

If you notice signs of oral dysfunction in your child, seeking professional evaluation early on can lead to better outcomes. Many children respond well to therapy, and with the right support, they can develop strong oral skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

At Little Explorers, we recognize the importance of early childhood development and strive to provide a supportive environment for all children. If you have concerns about your child’s oral motor skills, consulting a healthcare professional such as a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or pediatric dentist can be a great first step.

The voyage of nurturing a child is replete with moments of instruction for both you and your child. Embrace each fleeting instant, treasure the manifold experiences, and witness as your child unfolds into the grandeur of their fullest potential.