Oral Motor Skills

Oral motor skills refer to the movements and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw that are essential for various functions. These skills are crucial for eating, drinking, speaking, and expressing emotions. They involve the ability to control and manage the movements needed for chewing food, forming sounds for speech, and coordinating breathing while speaking or eating. Developing strong oral motor skills is important, especially in children, as it impacts their communication abilities and nutritional intake. Challenges in these skills can affect a person's ability to communicate and enjoy food.