Oral Motor

Exercises
exercises for young children that can be naturally used at the home.
It's important when working with your child to model each of the exercises.

Tongue Exercises: Lip and Cheek Exercises:

Use a vibrating toothbrush when brushing teeth to Blow fish face, with cheeks puffed out
stimulate tongue movement. This provides sensory input Blow bubbles (20 months+)
so if your child refuses, take small steps to help them get Humming
used to the sensation. Do not force Them. Pick a nursery rhyme that your child likes
Licking lollipops or popsicles outside of the mouth and hum it together
Placing applesauce, yogurt, or pudding on the corners Play a harmonica
of their mouth and have them lick it off. Smack lips together
Sing “La, la, la” Blow whistles (e.g., Kazoos)
Click tongue
Try to have them touch their tongue to the tip of their nose
(the tongue movement in that direction is what is
Jaw Exercises:
important) Bite on a vibrating toy (e.g., Baby teethers)
Blow raspberries with their tongue Handheld massagers can be held to your
Count teeth with tongue child's jaw for a few seconds at a time to
stimulate the muscles.
Lip and Cheek Exercises: Animal JIgglers can work as children are
often motivated to bite on things that have a
Blowing kisses chewy texture.
Drinking through a straw Use a mesh bag for baby foods to have your child
you can Learn how to teach your children to drink from a chew on foods directly on their molars (found in
straw as early as 9 months old the baby department)
Hold a small carrot stick, or other food, in between the teeth frozen grapes or strawberries are good to
without using teeth to hold it steady put in the bag, but use a food your child will
Make silly faces try and enjoy!
Fish lips (ages 3 and up) Chew on molars with chewy foods (e.g., peanut
Make “O” shape with lips butter)
Spread lips far apart (smile) chew on tough foods (e.g., Beef jerky, Licorice)
References:
grogan, Alisha. (n.d.). 34 Oral Motor Exercises that You Never Knew You
Needed. Your kids table. https://yourkidstable.com/oral-motor-
Created by: Sarah McFadden, M.S., CF-SLP exercises/