Oral Motor Development (OMD)

Oral motor development refers to the process by which an infant develops the muscles and coordination necessary for effective oral communication and feeding. This includes the development of the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks, as well as the ability to coordinate their movements for speech and eating.

The development of oral motor skills is closely linked to other areas of development, such as cognitive and social-emotional development. In some cases, children may experience difficulties with oral motor development, which can lead to difficulties with feeding and communication. Occupational therapists and other professionals can work with children to develop their oral motor skills and achieve oral nutrition to the highest level possible. An occupational therapist (OT) can guide a child through the developmental process for sensory awareness and/or tolerance, to be proceeded by biting, chewing and swallowing foods. 

Occupational therapy can play an important role in addressing oral motor development. Occupational therapists who specialize in pediatrics may work with children who have difficulties with feeding, speech, or other aspects of oral motor development.

Some of the ways that occupational therapy may address oral motor development include:

1. Sensory integration therapy: Occupational therapists may use sensory integration therapy to help children develop a better understanding of their own bodies, including their oral motor muscles. This can involve activities such as playing with food textures or using tools like straws or chewy tubes to develop oral motor control.
2. Oral motor exercises: Occupational therapists may use specific exercises to help children develop their oral motor muscles and improve their coordination. This can include exercises such as blowing bubbles, chewing on specific textures, or practicing tongue and lip movements.
3. Feeding therapy: Occupational therapists may work with children who have difficulties with feeding, such as problems with sucking or swallowing. They may use strategies such as adjusting the texture or temperature of foods, using specific feeding positions, or using specialized tools such as spoons or cups.
4. Collaborating with other professionals: Occupational therapists may collaborate with other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists or dietitians, to address complex oral motor issues. Together, they can develop a comprehensive plan to address the child's needs and improve their overall development.

Through these and other interventions, occupational therapy can play an important role in promoting healthy oral motor development and improving children's communication and feeding abilities.