Resources for Older Children
Body imbalances will not always self-correct and may be present as the child grows. Sometimes the issues are the result of TOTS.
Here are some of the signs that TOTS may be involved:
- Difficulty chewing/swallowing/gagging with solid foods
- Very picky with food textures
- Can’t protrude tongue far enough to lick an ice cream cone
- Delayed speech
- Mouth-breathing/snoring/noisy breathing
- Upper and lower teeth not fitting together properly (Open bite, crossbite)
- Excessive gag reflex
- Enlarged tonsils from the irritation of mouth breathing
- Unexplained need for ear tubes
- Reflux
- Poor sleep resulting in an ADD or ADHD diagnosis
I recommend care by a bodyworker, perhaps Speech Therapy by a Speech and Language Therapist or an Oral Myologist can help the body achieve balance which sometimes helps the symptoms improve.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
If ties were not an issue early in life, they may show up now. Having an evaluation for the symptoms that show up will be necessary prior to treatment. These could include orthodontic, feeding, speech, or physical therapy to help find the best path to health. If frenotomy surgery is then necessary the healing will be more predictable.
PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT
Have medications on hand to manage pain. Tylenol, Ibuprophen or homeopathic remedies can be affective to alleviate the symptoms. Refer to the directions on the package.
Depending on the age of the child, use judgement in discussing what is going on. The attitude conveyed to the child will influence how they respond. Use positive statements, avoid words like Pain, Cutting, Surgery, Misery, etc. that can create fear and anxiety in the child’s mind. Tell the truth that Doctor will be looking and felling around in the mouth, may be doing things with tools, lasers to help their mouth work better.
AFTER THE VISIT
Use the pain relievers as discussed. Offer only cold, cool, and warm soft foods for the first day or 2. Avoid crispy, hard and acidic foods until the scabs are well-formed, usuall about 2 days. Then begin to return to a normal diet. The mouth will feel different for a while, mouth muscles will move differently. This can be a little distressing for some children, so be upbeat, positive about the changes and reassure them that it will pass.
POST OP THERAPY
Do the therapy as discussed at the visit. Expect to visit the appropriate therapist for care to help improve success.
Please contact us or give us a call at 937-293-6387 to request an appointment.