Oral Motor Therapy

Child oral motor therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that focuses on the development and coordination of oral motor skills in children. These skills involve the movement and control of the jaw, tongue, lips, teeth, and cheeks within the mouth. Oral motor therapy aims to improve a child’s awareness, strength, coordination, and mobility of these oral structures. It can address a wide range of issues related to speech, feeding, and swallowing difficulties.

This therapy employs various exercises and techniques to target specific oral motor challenges. It may include exercises for tongue and lip movement, jaw control, and facial muscle coordination. The goal of oral motor therapy is to enhance a child’s ability to articulate speech sounds correctly, improve their feeding skills, and facilitate appropriate oral rest posture. It can be beneficial for children with speech disorders, feeding problems, or sensory issues that impact their ability to use their oral muscles effectively. While oral motor therapy is a valuable approach, it’s important to note that it has been a subject of debate in speech therapy, with some experts emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices in this field.