Oral Motor Skills
Oral motor skills refer to the movements and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw. These skills are essential for various functions, including eating, drinking, and speaking. Developing strong oral motor skills helps individuals manage food textures and articulate sounds clearly.
Improving oral motor skills can benefit people of all ages, especially children as they learn to speak and eat solid foods. Activities like blowing bubbles, chewing different textures, and practicing speech sounds can enhance these skills. Occupational therapists often work with individuals to strengthen their oral motor abilities for better communication and feeding.