Oral Disorders

Oral Disorders: Understanding and Supporting Eating Difficulties

Oral disorders, also referred to as swallowing disorders or eating difficulties, refer to challenges that affect eating and swallowing. These issues are often observed in children but can also affect adults. They include problems related to food texture, chewing ability, salivation management, or the sensory integration of food. These disorders can have a significant impact on the health, well-being, and development of the individuals concerned.

Types of Oral Disorders

Oral disorders can be categorized into different types based on the nature of the problem:

1) Sensory disorders: Some individuals have difficulty accepting certain food textures or experience aversion to specific tastes, colors, or smells. This may be linked to oral hypersensitivity or a challenge in accepting a variety of foods. Affected individuals may refuse to eat certain foods or eat very selectively.

2) Motor disorders: These disorders relate to the ability to chew properly or swallow without difficulty. They may be associated with coordination issues involving the muscles necessary for chewing and swallowing. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, slow eating, or even a risk of aspiration (food or liquids entering the airways).

3) Salivation management disorders: Some individuals have difficulty controlling saliva production, leading to either excessive salivation or, conversely, excessive dry mouth. These problems can make eating uncomfortable and cause oral hygiene issues.

4) Psychological and behavioral disorders: These are often linked to abnormal eating behaviors, such as fear of eating, food restriction, or reluctance to try new foods. These behaviors may be triggered by traumatic experiences related to food or by emotional factors.

Causes of Oral Disorders

The causes of oral disorders are varied and may involve several factors:

• Child development: Young children may experience oral disorders due to the insufficient maturity of their motor or sensory systems. Some children have difficulty chewing or swallowing due to motor development issues.

• Neurological conditions: Oral disorders can also be caused by neurological diseases such as strokes, neurodegenerative disorders (like Parkinson's disease), or traumatic brain injuries. These conditions can affect the brain areas responsible for swallowing and controlling oral muscles.

• Sensory disorders: People with sensory disorders, such as autism, may have specific food sensitivities that make certain foods difficult to eat or accept.

• Psychological disorders: Oral disorders can also be exacerbated by psychological issues or eating disorders, such as anorexia, food selectivity, or refusal to eat.

Impact of Oral Disorders

Oral disorders can have significant consequences on both the physical and emotional health of individuals:

• Nutrition: People with eating difficulties may experience nutritional deficiencies, significant weight loss, or poor growth, especially in children. Inadequate absorption of essential nutrients can affect development and immunity.

• Social and psychological development: Eating is a social activity, and oral disorders can lead to problems with socialization, particularly during family meals or at school. Children may feel isolated or stigmatized due to their eating behaviors.

• Risk of aspiration: Swallowing difficulties can increase the risk of aspiration, leading to respiratory complications, such as lung infections or food aspiration into the airways.

Management and Support

Managing oral disorders depends on the underlying cause of the problem and the individual’s needs. A multidisciplinary approach is often required, involving various healthcare professionals:

• Dietitian: The dietitian’s role is essential in adjusting the diet based on the patient’s chewing and swallowing abilities. Personalized nutritional follow-up ensures a balanced diet and helps prevent deficiencies.

• Speech therapist: The speech therapist plays a central role in treating swallowing and oral management disorders. Through oral stimulation exercises, sensory rehabilitation, and coordination of oral muscles, they help improve chewing and swallowing abilities.

• Psychologists and behavioral therapists: If the oral disorders are linked to psychological factors, psychological or behavioral support may be needed to address fears, phobias, or associated eating disorders.

• Specialized doctors: If the disorders are caused by neurological conditions or medical issues, specific medical follow-up may be required.

Conclusion: A Tailored Approach

Although often invisible, oral disorders can have a considerable impact on individuals' quality of life. Early and appropriate management is crucial for improving eating management, preventing complications, and supporting psychological well-being. If you or someone close to you is affected by these disorders, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to receive personalized support suited to the situation.

If you would like to discuss managing oral disorders or other nutrition-related issues, I am available to provide support.

https://www.phobie-alimentaire.fr/

https://www.allo-ortho.com/jai-27-ans-et-je-ne-mange-quune-dizaine-daliments-differents/

https://sosanor.org/

https://www.ffab.fr/trouver-de-l-aide/annuaire-2021-carteseule

https://www.anorexie-et-boulimie.fr/annuaire-des-therapeutes.htm