There are various types of oral motor exercises, each targeting different muscle groups and skills:
Lip exercises: Activities like blowing kisses, puckering, and lip rounding help strengthen the muscles around the mouth. Tongue exercises: Tongue lifts, presses, and lateral movements can enhance tongue strength and coordination. Jaw exercises: Chewing on resistive items and jaw opening/closing exercises improve jaw strength and control. Cheek exercises: Puffing out cheeks and holding air can help strengthen the muscles involved in speech and swallowing. Soft palate exercises: Activities like gargling and yawning can improve the function of the soft palate, which is important for speech and swallowing.