Oral-Motor Development

Oral-motor development refers to how the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, jaw, and throat grow and learn to work together to support activities like sucking, swallowing, chewing, and speaking. This process begins in infancy and continues through childhood, with these muscles becoming stronger and more coordinated over time. Proper oral-motor development is essential for safe eating, clear speech, and overall oral health. It involves both muscle strength and fine control, allowing a person to perform these complex movements smoothly and effectively as they grow.