Have you ever wondered why your child struggles with both speech and eating? Or why they’re constantly tired despite seemingly sleeping through the night? The answer might surprise you – it all comes down to something called “oral rest position.”
What is Oral Rest Position?
Ideal oral rest position involves:
- Tongue suctioned to the roof of the mouth
- Tongue tip resting on the alveolar ridge (not touching teeth)
- Lips closed and relaxed
- Breathing through the nose
When this position isn’t maintained, it can lead to a cascade of issues affecting speech, feeding, and overall health.
The Domino Effect of Poor Oral Rest Position
- Structural Changes:
- Collapsed upper palate (hello, braces and palate expanders!)
- Misaligned lower teeth
- High, narrow palate impinging on nasal cavity
- Breathing Issues:
- Mouth breathing
- Potential for snoring and sleep apnea
- Poor sleep quality
- Speech Difficulties:
- Lisps (especially with ‘s’ sounds)
- Trouble with ‘r’ sounds
- Feeding Challenges:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Problems chewing and forming food bolus
- Perceived “picky eating”
The Root Cause: Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
Many of these issues stem from OMDs, which affect the muscles and functions of the mouth and face. A common underlying cause is a tongue tie, which restricts tongue movement and prevents proper oral rest position.
Why Addressing Both Speech and Feeding Matters
When a child comes in for speech therapy, particularly for ‘r’ sounds, we often request a feeding evaluation too. Why? Because the root cause affecting their speech likely impacts their eating as well. By addressing both simultaneously, we can:
- Improve outcomes faster
- Reduce frustration for the child
- Address underlying health concerns
The Holistic Approach
Treating speech and feeding issues often requires a team approach:
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- ENT (for potential adenoid removal)
- Sleep specialist (for sleep studies)
- Tongue-tie specialist dentist
Remember, your “picky eater” might actually be struggling to eat safely due to these underlying issues. And that child who can’t seem to master certain sounds? They might physically be unable to place their tongue correctly.
At Bayside Therapy Specialties we specialize in identifying and treating these interconnected issues. We understand the frustration of prolonged speech therapy without results, especially when the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed.
Don’t let your child suffer unnecessarily. If you’ve noticed any of these signs – speech difficulties, feeding issues, poor sleep quality – it might be time for a comprehensive evaluation. Together, we can help your child speak clearly, eat comfortably, and sleep soundly.