Healthy eating in schools: supplementary guidance

Bruxism

non-functioning grinding or clenching of teeth

Constipation

Is the term used for abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry, hardened faeces

Dental erosion

Progressive, irreversible loss of the hard substance of the tooth

Drooling

To let saliva or other substance flow from the mouth

Failure to thrive

This term is applied to children who do not achieve a normal or expected rate of growth

Feeding problems

The general term used to refer to problems managing normal foods and drinks due to the inability/difficulties to suck, chew or swallow

Gastro Oesophageal Reflux ( GOR)

A condition where the acid in the stomach washes back into the oesophagus

Inability to self feed

The term used when an individual can not get the food from the plate to their mouth by themselves. This could be due to a lack of hand/eye co-ordination or being unable to grasp cutlery

Non-oral feeding

Nutrition is provided in liquid form and is fed via a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube into the stomach. Other feeding routes that may be used are into the jejunum (small intestine) or straight into the blood stream (this is only used in extreme circumstances)

Periodontal disease

Any disease or inflammation affecting the supporting structures of the teeth

Rumination

Regurgitation of recently digested food without retching

Selective eating

Avoidance of certain foods because of taste, colour, texture, temperature or branding. Individuals have a limited range of foods they find acceptable or safe and are unwilling to deviate from this

Weight management

The term used for balancing the amount of energy that is consumed (as calories) with the amount of energy expelled (in normal body processes and activities). An imbalance can result in inappropriate body weights - it can apply to either underweight or overweight