Finding Relief from Oral Motor Difficulties
Does your child struggle to use their mouth muscles? Maybe they have a hard time chewing their food, or perhaps they can’t speak clearly. Both circumstances can indicate an oral motor disorder. Fortunately, the pediatric therapists at Skills on the Hill can help find the right treatments for your child’s needs.
Oral motor disorders (also known as orofacial myofunctional disorders or OMDs) can stem from several different causes, so customized treatment is crucial! Once we determine why your child is experiencing oral motor difficulties, we can find the right treatment for their needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of OMDs, potential signs and symptoms, and what our team of compassionate pediatric speech therapists can do to help your child thrive. And if you live in the Washington, DC or Arlington, VA area, you can also contact us for more personalized information.
Understanding OMDs: Causes and Symptoms
The reasons children develop OMDs can be multifaceted. Several factors can contribute to these difficulties, such as the following:
- Neurological issues in which the muscles don’t respond properly to the brain signals telling them to move
- Low muscle tone or muscular weakness in the mouth and jaw that makes movement difficult
- Airway issues such as obstructions in the airway (i.e., oversized tonsil or allergies)
- Developmental delays in the mouth and jaw muscles
Our pediatric therapists can help determine the exact cause of your child’s OMD during an in-depth assessment. Some conditions can contribute to OMDs, such as cerebral palsy or a cleft palate. You should also bring your child in for that assessment if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- They have a hard time swallowing food or drink.
- They prefer eating soft food and refuse difficult-to-eat foods, such as fruits, vegetables, or meat.
- They tend to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose.
- They often gag or cough while eating meals
- They struggle with long or complex words or speak very slowly.
- You have a hard time understanding their speech.
What To Expect At Your Child’s First Appointment
At Skills on the Hill, our team of speech therapists has the expertise to help improve your child’s chewing, swallowing, and speaking difficulties. As mentioned, we’ll always begin with a comprehensive assessment to help us pinpoint the exact cause of your child’s OMD. When you come to your appointment, be prepared to share a full medical history, including information about…
- Oral habits (like sucking a pacifier)
- Potential respiratory issues or other medical concerns that might impact oral function (allergies, snoring, ear infections, etc.)
- Any dental issues
- Any issues related to eating, chewing, or speaking
We’ll also look at the muscles and structures in your child’s face and jaw, including while they swallow and speak. This allows us to thoroughly understand your child’s condition so we can find the right treatment to suit their needs.
The Role of Pediatric Therapy in Treating Oral Motor Difficulties
As pediatric speech therapists, we have several tools and techniques to help your child strengthen their facial muscles so they can eat and speak more easily. We’ll devise a program of fun, playful exercises that won’t feel like work to your child but will help them gain the necessary strength and dexterity to manage their condition.
For example, we might ask your child to…
- Blow bubbles through wands of different sizes and shapes
- Making funny faces (which asks them to move their muscles in new ways)
- Whistle a tune
- Blow on a toy horn
As your child improves, we’ll begin incorporating more difficult and complex exercises to ensure they keep being challenged, helping to build strength over time. We might progress on to breath control techniques or more targeted mouth exercises.
Schedule An Appointment to Learn How We Can Help Your Child
Because we always take a customized approach to care at Skills on the Hill our friendly staff is happy to talk with you directly about your child and their unique needs. And if you suspect your child is struggling with oral motor difficulties, make an appointment! It’s the first step on a journey toward improved feeding and speaking skills.
Sources:
https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders