Leslie Ferree Talford, MA CCC-SLP

Speech Made Easy

Oral Motor Weakness

Why are oral motor skills important?  Oral structures (lip, tongue, jaw, and throat) consist of many muscles that work closely together to produce clear, well-articulated speech and safe swallowing.  If weakness or poor muscle coordination exists, exercising these muscles can improve strength and coordination.

 

Associated Problems

             - drooling

             - poor lip closure

             - mouth breathing

             - tongue protruding outside of the mouth

             - poor articulation of sounds

             - nasal voice quality

             - slushy or slurry speech

 

Treatment

             - Treatment will include sensory activities to improve awareness to the various

               oral musculature as well as active exercises to improve the strength and

               mobility of the weak muscles.  Home activities and exercises will be provided

               for daily practice.

                                 

- obtained from Parents Articles 2: More Articles to Enhance Parent Involvement

 

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