We often see parents worried about their child’s eating habits. Think of swallowing as an orchestra – every muscle needs to play its part perfectly for a smooth performance.
When there’s a swallowing problem, it’s like some musicians are out of sync, making the whole process difficult and potentially stressful for both parent and child.
What many parents don’t realize is that swallowing difficulties can affect not just mealtime, but many aspects of their child’s daily life.
Common Signs of Swallowing Problems in Children
During Meals
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Taking an unusually long time to finish meals
- Avoiding certain textures or food types
- Difficulty moving food around in the mouth
- Excessive drooling or food/liquid spilling from mouth
- Pocketing food in cheeks
- Tilting head back to swallow
- Unusual neck or body positioning while eating
- Anxiety or resistance around mealtimes
After Meals
- Complaints of food feeling “stuck”
- Frequent throat clearing
- Wet or gurgly voice quality
- Recurrent chest congestion after eating
- Food or liquid coming out through the nose
- Unexplained coughing fits
- Fatigue after eating
- Frequent burping or hiccups
Understanding Swallowing Issues
Swallowing problems can be part of a broader category of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD).
These issues often stem from:
- Improper tongue positioning
- Weak oral muscles
- Poor coordination of swallowing muscles
- Structural issues in the mouth or throat
- Developmental delays
- Neurological conditions
- Sensory processing differences
The Impact on Daily Life
Untreated swallowing problems can affect your child’s:
- Nutrition and growth
- Social confidence during meals
- Speech development
- Overall health and well-being
- Academic performance due to decreased focus during meals at school
- Sleep quality due to nighttime breathing issues
- Emotional well-being and self-esteem
- Family mealtime experiences
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
At Valley OMT, serving the greater Harrisburg area from our Camp Hill location, we specialize in treating swallowing issues through Myofunctional Therapy. Think of it like teaching your child’s mouth muscles to dance in perfect harmony.
Our therapy helps strengthen and coordinate the muscles needed for proper swallowing.
Our Treatment Approach
- Comprehensive evaluation of swallowing patterns
- Customized exercise programs
- Fun, engaging therapy sessions
- Parent education and home exercise guidance
- Regular progress monitoring
- Coordination with other healthcare providers when needed
- Integration of play-based activities for younger children
- Age-appropriate exercises and techniques
- Ongoing support for families throughout the therapy journey
The Science Behind OMT
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is based on decades of research and clinical success. By addressing the root causes of swallowing problems, rather than just managing symptoms, we help create lasting changes in your child’s oral function.
Our therapy techniques focus on:
- Strengthening tongue muscles
- Improving lip seal and function
- Developing proper swallowing patterns
- Enhancing oral awareness and control
- Coordinating breathing with swallowing
- Establishing proper rest posture for the tongue
What Parents Can Do Right Now
If you notice signs of swallowing problems:
- Document specific incidents and patterns
- Record mealtime behaviors that concern you
- Note which foods or drinks seem most challenging
- Schedule an evaluation with an OMT specialist
- Create a supportive, stress-free mealtime environment
- Stay patient and positive during meals
- Follow your instincts – you know your child best
Taking the Next Step
Serving Central Pennsylvania from Harrisburg to Carlisle, Valley OMT is here to help your child develop proper swallowing patterns. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term issues and helping your child enjoy mealtimes again.
Our experienced team understands the challenges families face when dealing with swallowing problems, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, effective care.
Don’t wait if you’re concerned about your child’s swallowing. Contact our Camp Hill office today for a thorough evaluation.
Together, we can help your child develop the skills they need for comfortable, safe eating and drinking, and transform mealtimes from stressful to enjoyable for the whole family.