The Hidden Key to Feeding and Speech: Why Proper Oral Motor Development Matters
Why Proper Oral Motor Development Matters When it comes to a child’s growth, most parents focus on milestones such as crawling, walking, or saying the first word. While these are important, there is one crucial area of development that often goes unnoticed—oral motor skills. These are the small but powerful movements of the lips, tongue, jaw, and soft palate that allow a child to eat, drink, swallow, and speak effectively. Proper oral motor development has far-reaching consequences. It influences how children chew their food, how clearly they articulate words, and even how their facial muscles grow. When oral motor skills are overlooked, it can lead to feeding difficulties, delayed speech, and long-term dental issues. In this article, we will explore why oral motor development matters, the consequences of delays, how parents can support healthy growth, and the tools and practices that encourage strong oral motor skills. Understanding Oral Motor Skills Oral motor development...