Question
Do you know where I can obtain a bite block for a young toddler that is biting his tongue? The child is not eating by mouth.
Answer
Since the individual you refer to is a "young toddler", the best avenue would be to consult a pediatric dentist who would refer the individual to the appropriate medical professional. Also of concern is the mention of the "child is not eating by mouth." As it is not known why the child is non-oral, a speech-language pathology evaluation may be warranted.
Bite blocks can be constructed by dentists, orthodontists, or prosthodontists. Evaluative or treatment bite blocks can be purchased through health care companies. However, before any type of device is purchased or used an evaluation should be conducted by a health care provider.
Kerrilyn R. Phillips, SLP.D., CCC-CLP has been a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years. She is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. Teaching and research areas are in early intervention, advanced diagnostics, child language, medically fragile, and professional issues. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences and meetings. She has served as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the licensure board in Louisiana and serves as the Past-President of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Speech, Language, and Hearing Association.
