Dysphagia - a disordered swallow
Clients, adults and children alike, may be referred to a speech-language pathologist by a dentist or orthodontist following the identification of a "tongue thrust" or "reverse" swallow. Many dental professionals will not proceed with their own treatment plans until this swallowing pattern has been corrected. This common disordered motor pattern can affect the development of dentition, speech, and eating. A certified speech-language pathologist can design therapeutic intervention to correct it.
There are several stages in a single swallow. Physical and sensory differences (such as cleft palate, dysarthria, hypo or hypersensitivity) can result in a disordered swallow that affects one or more of several areas:
If you suspect that you or your child has a swallowing disorder, please contact Clarity Speech and Language Therapy, LLC to take the next step:
There are several stages in a single swallow. Physical and sensory differences (such as cleft palate, dysarthria, hypo or hypersensitivity) can result in a disordered swallow that affects one or more of several areas:
- food management (containment and chewing)
- food preferences for certain textures and colors (picky eater anyone?)
- dentition (think of a tongue constantly pressing against front teeth as they emerge)
- articulation (often resulting in fronted speech, such as a lisp)
If you suspect that you or your child has a swallowing disorder, please contact Clarity Speech and Language Therapy, LLC to take the next step:
