As part of treating dysphasia or dyspraxia, a speech therapist may recommend daily massages to stimulate or desensitise the mouth area. Here are a few examples of oro-facial massages and mouth exercises you could try with your child, in a fun way…

What is oro-facial function?

Oro-facial functions cover all the motor, sensory, and secretory activities located in the skull and face. Arranged in a hierarchy, they develop over the course of a person’s growth, in order of importance for survival: breathing, sucking-swallowing, chewing-swallowing, phonation, and articulation.

The development of oro-facial functions directly influences the development of the muscles, bone growth, and the facial nerve network. When disrupted, certain abnormalities can appear, such as swallowing or phonation disorders. These stem either from dysfunctions (malformations, illnesses, accidents…) or parafunctions (teeth grinding, biting objects, thumb-sucking…).

In cases of dysphasia, which affects spoken language development, or oro-facial dyspraxia, which affects swallowing, a speech therapist may provide or recommend oro-facial massages.

A few examples of oro-facial massages

Here are a few examples of oro-facial massages you could try with your child. In all cases, try to make them fun and enjoyable: it’s a moment to connect and listen to them, a special time to savour together.

On the outside of the mouth, these oro-facial massages involve:

  • Tapping firmly around the lips;
  • Massaging from the bridge of the nose down to the mouth with the index finger;
  • Massaging the cheeks and temples in circular motions;
  • Massaging the chin in circular motions;
  • Pressing gently on the chin to trigger swallowing.

On the inside of the mouth, these oro-facial massages involve:

  • Massaging the upper and lower gums;
  • Massaging the inside of the cheeks;
  • Massaging the tongue;
  • Massaging the palate.

A few examples of mouth exercises

Improve the tone of the area with some mouth exercises! It will strengthen the tongue, cheeks, and lips – which will certainly improve their articulation. Again, approach this daily work in a fun, enjoyable way…

Here are a few examples of mouth exercises:

  • Stick the tongue out downwards, then to the right, then to the left;
  • Try to touch the nose with the tongue, then place the tip of the tongue on the palate, before tucking it into the cheek;
  • Lick the upper lip, then the upper teeth, and touch the molars with the tongue;
  • Puff out both cheeks, then one at a time, before clicking the tongue;
  • Suck the cheeks in, turn the lower lip out, and give a big smile with the mouth stretched wide;
  • Push the lips forward, give a lopsided smile, and bite the upper lip with the teeth.

 

Of course, our speech therapists – available online on the Ora-Visio platform – can guide you towards the most suitable exercises to address your child’s difficulty. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them!