Infant Feeding: Is that Normal? Signs of Oral Dysfunction.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Dysfunction Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, you’re constantly observing your baby for cues—whether they’re hungry, sleepy, or in discomfort. They're eating, but are they eating well?? Infant oral dysfunction describes difficulties in how a baby uses their mouth for essential tasks like sucking, swallowing, and breathing. These difficulties can be brought on buy birth trauma, tension, anatomical restrictions (like tongue ties), muscular imbalance, or in more serious cases, neurological issues. Oral dysfunction can impact feeding, development, and even speech later on- because the muscles you eat with, you speak with!

Recognizing the early signs of oral dysfunction and seeking support from a IBCLC lactation consultant and/or infant feeding therapist can make a huge difference in your child’s health and development. Here is a comprehensive guide to the most common signs and symptoms to watch for.

Signs and Symptoms of Infant Oral Dysfunction

1. Feeding Difficulties

Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a baby with oral dysfunction may struggle with feeding. Common signs include:

• Poor latch or shallow latch

• Clicking or smacking noises while feeding

• Gagging or coughing during feeds

• Frequent breaks or pulling off the breast/bottle

• Prolonged feeding sessions (longer than 30 minutes)

• Falling asleep during feeds, then waking hungry

• Excessive gassiness, reflux, or colic symptoms

2. Weight and Growth Concerns

Feeding issues sometimes lead to poor weight gain or slow growth. Warning signs include:

• Not meeting weight/growth milestones

• Dehydration (few wet diapers, dark urine, sunken soft spot)

• Infrequent stooling
  

3. Pain or Discomfort While Feeding

A baby experiencing pain may:

• Arch their back during feeds

• Cry excessively during or after feeding

• Show signs of reflux (frequent spitting up or irritability)
  

4. Noisy or Labored Breathing

Oral dysfunction can impact the airway. Watch for:

• Snoring or noisy breathing, even when awake

• Mouth breathing (especially during sleep)

• Frequent congestion or noisy nasal breathing without illness
  

5. Visible Oral Abnormalities

Look inside your baby’s mouth for:

• A high palate

• Lip or tongue ties (tight bands under the tongue or upper lip)

• Bubbles or blistering on lips from sucking

• Asymmetry in jaw movement or lip closure
  

6. Speech and Motor Delays (Later On)

If not addressed early, oral dysfunction can contribute to:

• Speech delays or articulation issues

• Mouth breathing habits and sleep disordered breathing

• Challenges with solid food transitions or picky eating
  

When to Seek Help

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s important to consult your IBCLC lactation consultant and/or a Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in holistic infant feeding therapy and oral ties. Are you in Kitsap County? That's us! Schedule a phone consult to get started.