As children grow, they become more and more opinionated about the foods they eat. They may begin to self-regulate what and how much food they consume. However, it can be challenging to know what is normal and what is considered a feeding challenge during this stage of childhood. If your toddler has difficulty transitioning to solid foods, is extremely picky, gets upset during most meals, or does not seem to get the proper nutrition, you may need to see a professional for support.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we understand the stress you may feel if your toddler has challenges with feeding, so we are here to help you find a treatment that works best for you and your child. With over 24 years of combined experience providing exceptional care, you can trust us to develop a personalized plan tailored to your toddler’s unique needs. In our comfortable offices, we utilize state-of-the-art technology and offer support before, during, and after treatment so you always know what to expect and can make the best decisions for your child.
3 Common Types of Feeding Challenges in Toddlers
Feeding challenges can occur in toddlers for several reasons, but it can be difficult to determine the root causes of these issues on your own. We collaborate with you to understand your child’s specific problems with feeding, which may fall into one of the following categories:
Behavioral Challenges
Behavioral feeding challenges often involve pickiness with food. While some pickiness is normal in toddlers, if your child is consistently unwilling to try new foods over multiple months or insists on specific textures, tastes, and smells, they may have a behavioral feeding challenge.
Our Rockland Dental Specialists offer behavioral strategy feeding therapy, which uses rewards to encourage food exploration. This approach helps make your toddler more open to trying new foods.
Oral-Motor Challenges
When a child eats, they use their oral-motor skills to hold the food in their mouth, chew, and swallow it. This involves the coordination of several muscles. If your child appears to have trouble chewing their food enough, holding food or drink in their mouth, or frequently gags or chokes on their food, they may have oral-motor challenges.
Our team offers a feeding therapy called the Beckman oral-motor technique, which aims to improve your toddler’s functional response to pressure, movement, and other sensory input in the mouth. With this method, your child can better coordinate their lips, jaw, tongue, and cheeks to enhance their chewing and swallowing abilities.
Sensory Challenges
Toddlers with sensory feeding challenges often have an aversion to how foods taste, smell, or feel in their mouth. Some children may be overly sensitive to these qualities and only want bland tasting, smelling, and colored foods. In contrast, others may be under-sensitive and only enjoy crunchier foods because they give them clear chewing and swallowing cues. Common symptoms of sensory feeding challenges include the following:
- Gagging
- Refusal to eat
- Odd taste preferences
- Crying during meals
- Delayed food milestones
Another form of feeding therapy we offer at Rockland Dental Specialists is the “get permission” method, which can help with sensory challenges. This approach focuses on establishing healthy, trust-based dynamics by setting goals and respecting your toddler’s rhythm. With this therapy, we help you interpret your child’s signals and take action when they give permission or seem ready. This may start with observing foods and progressing to touching, smelling, licking, and eating them.
Reach Out to the Professional Rockland Dental Specialists to Find a Solution for Your Toddler’s Feeding Challenges
With 25-45% of the general population having a feeding problem, having a toddler with behavioral, motor, or sensory eating issues is a common experience for parents. However, these challenges can impact your child’s growth and development, so it is essential to seek treatment from a professional if you notice your child is missing milestones, having trouble chewing, or is overly particular about their meals.
Our experienced team at Rockland Dental Specialists is here to provide treatment and support for New City, NY parents and toddlers who have feeding challenges. Our dedicated team always puts your child’s comfort, health, and safety first, giving them the best care possible and helping them overcome their eating difficulties. To learn more about your toddler’s feeding challenges and the available treatment options, call us at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
