Pediatric Oral Dysfunction: What It Is and Why It Matters
Many infant feeding challenges are mistakenly dismissed as normal or something babies will “grow out of.” But when an infant struggles with latching, prolonged feeds, excessive gas, or difficulty settling, oral dysfunction may be at the root.
At Nurture 360 in Windsor, Dr. Jaclyn Bastien is trained in pediatric oral dysfunction assessment and treatment. Her approach is gentle, evidence-informed, and rooted in whole-body function—because feeding isn’t just about the mouth. It’s about the nervous system, body tension, and oral coordination working together.
What Is Pediatric Oral Dysfunction?
Pediatric oral dysfunction refers to the impaired function of the tongue, lips, jaw, or oral tissues that can affect a baby’s ability to feed, breathe, swallow, and self-regulate.
Proper tongue movement begins in utero and strengthens during feeding—whether breast or bottle. If the tongue isn’t functioning properly, it can affect not only latch and digestion, but also jaw development, posture, breathing, and long-term oral habits.
What Does It Look Like?
Common signs of oral dysfunction in babies and toddlers include:
Poor latch or painful breastfeeding
Prolonged feeding sessions with frequent breaks
Unsettled behavior or colic-like symptoms
Excessive or uncomfortable gas
Tongue thrust that persists beyond infancy
Dislike of tummy time
Picky eating patterns
Delayed or unclear speech
Frequent mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
These signs often stem from restrictions such as tongue tie (ankyloglossia), lip tie, or body tension that affect how the tongue moves and rests.
The Body–Tongue Connection
The tongue is not an isolated muscle. It connects to the rest of the body through the frontal fascial line, which runs from the tip of the tongue to the toes. Restrictions in tongue mobility can influence breathing patterns, posture, digestion, and muscular development.
That’s why treatment isn’t just about releasing a tie—it’s about supporting the whole system.
Causes of Oral Dysfunction
Several factors can contribute to oral dysfunction, including:
Tongue tie or lip tie
Birth trauma or body tension
Torticollis
Mouth breathing habits
Neurological or developmental conditions
Environmental stressors or feeding interventions
Early assessment is key to identifying the root cause and preventing secondary challenges.
Dr. Bastien’s Approach
Dr. Jaclyn Bastien is certified in the PIPs technique, a specialized approach for intraoral assessment and gentle oral tissue mobilization. Her treatment includes:
Full history and physical exam
Intraoral and full-body assessment
Manual therapy and bodywork
Pediatric chiropractic adjustments
Gentle stretching and joint mobilization
Collaboration with other providers (SLPs, lactation consultants, pediatric dentists)
Each treatment plan is tailored to the child’s unique presentation and functional needs.
Why Early Care Matters
Left unaddressed, oral dysfunction can impact more than feeding. It can affect:
Airway and facial development
Sleep quality and breathing patterns
Speech clarity and oral-motor habits
Digestion, sensory processing, and self-regulation
Identifying and treating these patterns early gives your child the best possible foundation for growth and development.
Book an Assessment
Dr. Jaclyn Bastien offers functional assessments for pediatric oral dysfunction in Windsor. If your baby is struggling with feeding, or if you're noticing delays in oral-motor milestones, don’t wait to explore support.
