Being a parent, you have probably observed your baby getting up to some activities that may look funny or even suspicious. One of such behaviors that are observed in patients include tongue chewing. If you have noted that your small child has been engaged in biting or chewing on their tongue time and again, you are not the only one. In this article we will discuss why babies chew their tongues, issues regarding this and how to stop the babies the right way.
Table of Content:
Baby Chewing Tongue
Tongue thrusting is quite evident in babies and especially during the first few months of their lives. This has cyclical behavior that extends from when the child is still in the womb to infancy. Though it may seem awkward or even painful to us adults, for babies it is quite normal and may be a part of their growth process.
There are several reasons why babies might chew their tongues:
- Exploration
- Teething
- Hunger Cues
- Self-Soothing
- Reflex Action
It was just coincidental that each of the children we discussed earlier were discovering their bodies in one way or the other and as part of it, they introduced their tongue to it. They obtain tactile and proprioception of this new structure through chewing on it.
When the teeth start growing, babies have a tendency of biting their tongues because there is usually some itchiness in the gum.
Some babies chew their tongues as a sign of hunger and normally if you feed them they put the tongue down.
Theptical movement of the tongue from one direction then to another can be soothing to some babies.
As to tongue chewing in newborns, it might be connected to immature reflexive activities which have not been inhibited yet.
In most instances, tongue chewing should not really be a cause of concern since it is a normal behavior as the child matures. However, if you realize that your child chews a lot, which hampers feeding or seems to hurt him or her, the best thing to do is to seek your pediatrician’s advice.
Tongue Chewing Habit
As babies grow, some may develop a persistent tongue chewing habit. This can continue into toddlerhood and beyond if not addressed. While occasional tongue chewing is generally not a cause for concern, habitual behavior might lead to dental issues or affect speech development in some cases.
If you notice your child has developed a tongue chewing habit, consider the following:
- Observe Triggers
- Offer Alternatives
- Positive Reinforcement
- Gentle Reminders
- Address Underlying Issues
Try to identify any patterns or situations that seem to trigger the behavior. Is it more common when your child is tired, anxious, or bored?
In case of older infants and toddlers, one should avail safe chewing instruments such as teething toys, biscuits or any food that is fit for the tender age of the child.
If you want your child to start chewing their tongue, ensure to compliment him/her or perhaps give him/her a token of appreciation.
If your child is old enough to reason with, use your tone to let your child know they shouldn’t do the behavior.
Sometimes, tongue chewing can be a sign of stress or anxiety. Make your child feel safe and have appropriate channels of handling them when they are angry.
Please note that changing a habit is a process that might take a while trying and being patient at the same time. In case you have more questions about the behavior or you fear the effect the said behavior might have on your child, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist.
Chewing Tongue During Sleep
Infants may also be observed chewing their tongue while in sleep by some parents. This can be rather worrisome but, in most cases, is not something to panic about or be overly worried about. Sleep-related tongue chewing can occur for several reasons:
- Sleep Transitions
- Teething Discomfort
- Sleep-related Rhythmic Movement Disorderr:
- Reflux
- Ensure a Safe Sleep Environment:
- Monitor The Behavior
- Address Teething Discomfort
- Elevate the Head of the Crib
- Consult a Professional
As babies cycle through different sleep stages, they may exhibit various movements, including tongue chewing.
Infant discomfort and distress may not go away at night, so the child has to resort to chewing on the tongue.
This is a condition in which an individual performs repetitive movements while asleep, possibly including chewing of the tongue.
Certain kinds of tongue chewing may be linked with acid reflux, though talking with a physician is the best way to understand if this is relevant in a specific case.
If you notice your baby chewing their tongue during sleep, here are some steps you can take:
Take out any items that could likely cause the child to choke if they put them in their mouth.
It is necessary to pay attention to the frequency of emerged symptoms and to determine if they provoke anxiety.
If it is because of teething then one should try offering a chilled teething ring at night.
If reflux is considered then it is advisable to slightly raise the head of the crib (with the permission of your baby’s pediatrician).
Nevertheless, if the behavior manifests itself quite often, sharply increases in its intensity, or is accompanied by other signs of a child’s discomfort, it is high time to turn to the pediatrician.
Although the phenomenon of tongue chewing observed in babies is considered to be a normally occurring phase in the developmental process, it is still quite understandable that parents may have certain concerns. But if it is understood why the baby behaves in this way and when it is better to consult with a specialist, this stage of the baby’s development can be handled calmly.
Many parents often hear that this or that is normal, but do not forget that each child is individual and what is normal for him may well be different from what is normal for the other. Go with your guts as a parent, but do not make assumptions without consulting health care providers on your baby’s status.
Indeed, concerning the milestones of your little one, it is normal to notice different behaviors charming at a particular point and then cease at an early age completely. In most cases, tongue chewing goes as part of the process of searching and finding, of growing.
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References:
- https://www.bfrb.org/articles/how-do-i-stop-my-baby-from-chewing-their-tongue#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20worried%20about,are%20over%20a%20year%20old.
- https://www.vinmec.com/en/news/health-news/pediatrics/is-it-normal-for-babies-to-stick-out-their-tongue-and-chew-their-mouth/
- https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/why-do-babies-chew-on-their-tongues-how-to-deal-with-it/
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/infant-baby-chewing-tongue-reasons-what-to-do_00692358/
