Oral Motor Ideas

One dysfunction is oral hypersensitivity. This means that the sense of taste may be stronger, a smell might be stronger, and touch may be more intense to a person who is hypersensitive in the mouth area.

 Presentation of dysfunction:

• refusing to brush teeth 
  
• not let anyone else brush teeth 
  
• avoids new foods 
  
• refusing dental services 
  
• will only eat certain foods 
  
• avoid certain textures or spices of foods 
  
• may wait until food is room temperature until eating

Things to do to help desensitize the mouth of a hypersensitive person:

• speak with doctor about getting a referral for an occupational therapy evaluation
  
• use vibration (oral massager) on outside of mouth and chin areas
  
• slowly introduce the tooth brush
  
• try not using toothpaste on the brush or use a more mild flavor toothpaste
  
• use mild spices when introducing new foods

Another dysfunction is hyposensitivity? This is when a person might not smell, taste, or feel things in their mouth as much as others. Since there is a decrease in sensation they will seek more input. For example, condiments may be used on food, which will allow the person to taste their food. Another example is a person with hyposensitivity may put his/her fingers in there mouth with food, so they can feel where the food is in their mouth.

Presentation: 

• seeking items to put in their mouth
  
• chewing on clothes 
  
• drooling 
  
• adding spices (pepper) to food
  
• adding condiments to food 
  
• putting on too much toothpaste 
  
• always touch mouth 
  
• tasting everything they can 
  
• biting hands and arms
  
• looking for pressure to chin and jaw muscles

 

How to satisfy the orally hyposensitive person:

• give gum for chewing in place of other items 
• allow the person to use the stronger toothpaste
• offer spices and condiments at meal time (this may be the only way to give food a flavor) 
• give pressure to the chin and jaw before meal time

Some other issues that may arise during meal time are posture. Slouching, bending forward, sitting sideways, and sliding down the chair are some examples of poor posture during meal time. These issues are caused from low muscle tone or decreased strength in the trunk, back and neck muscle areas. Consult with doctor about these issues. Some occupational and physical therapy may be referred for strengthening and stretching.

Submitted by Amy Harper COTA

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