Regarding a 9-month-old infant with gagging, tongue thrusting, teething drool; which statement is not correct?

Regarding a 9-month-old infant with gagging, tongue thrusting, teething drool; which statement is not correct?

• A. Most of these behaviors are typical of developmental age 5 months
• B. The infant is healthy, and all of his behaviors are typical for his age
• C. The infant is mildly delayed in his feeding development
• D. Drooling when teething is typical for his age

Answer: (B)

Gagging and tongue thrust can appear as a child is learning to swallow solids, while teething drool is a normal, age-appropriate sign. The tongue thrust reflex typically starts integrating in the first half of the first year; if it persists at 9 months, it can indicate mild oral-motor immaturity or a slight delay in feeding development. Drooling around teething is common and expected. Saying that the infant is healthy and all behaviors are typical for his age overlooks the possibility that persistent gagging and tongue thrust at this age may reflect mild feeding development delay. It’s reasonable to consider a mild delay, even though teething drool fits typical expectations.

Gagging and tongue thrust can appear as a child is learning to swallow solids, while teething drool is a normal, age-appropriate sign. The tongue thrust reflex typically starts integrating in the first half of the first year; if it persists at 9 months, it can indicate mild oral-motor immaturity or a slight delay in feeding development. Drooling around teething is common and expected.

Saying that the infant is healthy and all behaviors are typical for his age overlooks the possibility that persistent gagging and tongue thrust at this age may reflect mild feeding development delay. It’s reasonable to consider a mild delay, even though teething drool fits typical expectations.