Oral aversion / Oral hypersensitivity

Oral aversion or Oral hypersensitivity is a genetic hyper reactivity of the taste and smell organs, affecting 25% of children with normal development.

Forms are multiple: the child's reaction may range from a simple disgust for a certain type of food to a severe one that may make think of anorexia.

While scientists have admitted a psychological origin to these disorders, new knowledge in physiology show us that this is actually a hyper excitability. We can summarize it this way: although normal sensitivity is a factor of appetite, exacerbated sensitivity will have the opposite effect.

When to worry?

When there is no oral exploration at a young age (0-24 months)
When difficulties in introducing the first foods (mashed vegetables) are noted and persist for more than 8 months.
Difficulties in introducing regular food at 12 months.
When the child only accepts smooth mashed vegetables at 16 months.
When frequent gagging or vomiting is present while contact with food and the child refuses to eat afterwards.
When the child's food list has less than 20 different foods and does not cover the four food groups from 18 months
When the child has no pleasure eating, or crying or attempting to withdraw from the meal or the breastfeeding.
When the child exhibits dislikes and avoidance to certain textures or foods
When the child does not cover his nutritional needs and loses weight.

What to do?

If you suspect an oral aversion / hypersensitivity, it is crucial to pursue early intervention and seek out a professional opinion to assess if there are associated medical implications. In Dubai, you can contact a pediatrician, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist and/or a nutritionist.

At CEMEDIPP, the speech and language therapy treatment is possible through a process of habituation in the form of intra-oral massages and parental guidance techniques.

Parents can adapt the nipple, adapt the toothbrush, propose vibrating instruments and other techniques that the therapist will help them implement.