Ever wondered how simple exercises could shape the sound of your child’s voice? Are you curious how strengthening oral muscles could transform speech delay into victories? Are you ready to discover how a little exercise can lead to big strides in communication? Join us as we explore the remarkable benefits of oral muscle strengthening for kids with speech delays.

connection between oral muscles and speech in kids

The connection between oral muscles and speech in kids is crucial for the development and production of clear and intelligible speech. Here’s how this connection works:

Articulation:

Oral muscles play a significant role in forming speech sounds. Muscles in the lips, tongue, jaw, and soft palate work together to shape the mouth into specific configurations required to produce different sounds. For example, the lips may need to be rounded for the /u/ sound, while the tongue may need to touch the alveolar ridge for the /t/ sound.

Phonation:

Muscles in the larynx (voice box) control the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound. Proper coordination and control of these muscles are essential for phonation, allowing children to produce voiced sounds such as vowels and voiced consonants.

Respiration:

The muscles involved in breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, provide the airflow necessary for speech production. Effective breath support ensures that children can sustain speech sounds and phrases for the appropriate duration.

Swallowing:

While not directly related to speech, the muscles involved in swallowing overlap with those used in speech production. Strengthening these muscles can improve oral motor control and coordination, which can benefit speech clarity and fluency.

Oral Motor Control:

Oral motor skills refer to the ability to coordinate and control the movements of the mouth, tongue, and jaw. Strong and coordinated oral muscles are necessary for precise articulation and fluid speech production.

Speech Intelligibility:

When oral muscles are weak or poorly coordinated, it can result in difficulties with speech intelligibility. Children may exhibit unclear speech, slurred articulation, or difficulty producing certain sounds accurately.

Speech Therapy Targets:

Speech-language pathologists often include oral motor exercises and activities in therapy sessions to target specific speech goals. These exercises aim to strengthen and improve the coordination of oral muscles, leading to improved speech clarity and intelligibility.

Also check, Speech therapy fun exercises for improving speech

oral techniques to improve speech delay

Improving speech delay often involves a combination of techniques and strategies, including oral exercises and activities. Here are some oral techniques that can help improve speech delay in children:

1. Oral Motor Exercises:

These exercises target the muscles involved in speech production. Examples include blowing bubbles, straw drinking, licking peanut butter off a spoon, tongue exercises (such as touching the tongue to different parts of the mouth), and lip exercises (e.g., puckering, smiling).

Also check, Oral motor exercises for kids

2. Facial Massage:

Gentle facial massage can help increase blood flow to the muscles of the face and mouth, promoting relaxation and improving muscle tone. Use gentle circular motions on the cheeks, lips, and jawline.

3. Sensory Oral Motor Tools:

Various oral motor tools can provide sensory input to the mouth and help improve oral awareness and motor skills. These tools may include textured chew toys, vibrating oral massagers, and oral motor chew tubes.

Also check, Tips to manage sensory overload in children

4. Chewing Exercises:

Chewing on crunchy or chewy foods, such as carrots, celery, or chewy candies (under supervision), can help strengthen jaw muscles and improve oral motor control.

Also check, Fun and therapeutic activities for autistic kids

5. Sucking Exercises:

Using straws or sippy cups can help strengthen the muscles involved in sucking and swallowing, which are essential for speech development.

6. Articulation Activities:

Practice specific speech sounds through activities like tongue twisters, word games, and mimicking facial expressions in front of a mirror.

Also check, Exercises and brain health connection

7. Breathing Exercises:

Deep breathing exercises can help improve respiratory control, which is crucial for speech production. Encourage slow, deep breaths, and practice exhaling slowly while making prolonged vowel sounds.

8. Vocalization Exercises:

Encourage vocal play and exploration of different vocal sounds. Singing, humming, and vocalizing along with musical toys or instruments can help develop vocal skills.

9. Modeling and Imitation:

Model correct speech sounds and encourage the child to imitate you. Use simple, repetitive phrases and provide positive reinforcement for attempts at speech.

10. Interactive Storytelling:

Engage the child in interactive storytelling activities where they can practice speaking and listening skills in a fun and engaging way.

11. Speech Therapy Apps:

There are various speech therapy apps available that offer interactive exercises and games designed to target specific speech goals. These apps can provide additional practice and reinforcement outside of therapy sessions.

It’s important to tailor oral techniques to the individual needs and abilities of the child, and to incorporate them into a comprehensive speech therapy program under the guidance of a speech-language pathologist. Regular practice, consistency, and patience are key to seeing progress in improving speech delay.

---

PRODUCTS

It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 1,00,000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE.

---

CHECK MORE PRODUCTS FOR:

Immunity, Gut health, Digestion, Weight, Brain development, Speech delay, Epilepsy, Eye health, Hormones, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Bones and Overall growth

---

Read more blogs:

• Unique exercise to reduce hyperactivity: Hunt the Rabbit
• Simplest exercise to Activate Brain
• Ultimate Finger Activity to Increase Brain Power
• Thoppukaranam: The Brain Yoga
• Easy & Effective Exercise for Brain Eye Coordination