Oral motor therapy focuses on the strength, range of motion, and coordination of the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw. This isn’t just about speech; it’s about the fundamental mechanics of Feeding and Swallowing. Children with oral motor deficits may be “picky eaters” (due to an inability to chew certain textures), drool excessively, or have difficulty producing clear speech sounds (articulation).
Therapy targets the Cranial Nerves and the sensory-motor pathways of the mouth. We use “Oral Placement Therapy” (OPT) tools to provide tactile feedback, helping the child’s brain “feel” where the tongue or lips should be for specific sounds or movements. For families in Dubai, where food is a central part of social life and “mall culture,” improving a child’s feeding and oral skills significantly enhances their quality of life.
The “Sensory Straw” Workout
To build lip closure and jaw stability at home, use various “straw thicknesses” for their favorite drinks. Thick smoothies require more “Suction Power” (lip strength), while thin juices require more “Control.” You can also practice “Bubble Blowing” through a straw into a bowl of soapy water—this builds Breath Support and oral-motor coordination in a fun, engaging way.
Specialist FAQ
- My child is a very picky eater; is this oral motor or behavior?
It can be both. However, if a child “gags” on textures or only eats “soft” foods, it’s often because they lack the Lateral Tongue Movements needed to safely chew and move food.
- How does this help with speech?
Speech requires incredibly fast and precise oral movements. If the “muscles” are weak or the “map” in the brain is fuzzy, speech will sound “slurred” or “mushy.”
- At what age can we start oral motor therapy?
We can start as early as infancy for feeding issues. For speech-related oral motor work, we usually begin when the child is ready to follow simple motor imitations.
If you’re concerned about your child’s feeding or speech clarity, visit us at Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre, Al Nahda 2, Dubai, or call 0507548629 to speak with an oral motor specialist.
