Gum Massage

Accept oral stimulation over a large surface in and around the oral cavity

PURPOSE

This activity helps the learner normalize awareness within the oral cavity in order to improve speech and feeding development. Also helpful to decrease drooling, mouth stuffing, and/or the need to chew objects.

• Step 1

  Place your index finger just above the learner’s upper front teeth. Slide it along the gums to the back right molars and back to where you began. Repeat about 3 times. Then repeat the same motion on the lower gums.

• Step 2

  Use your thumb to repeat the same movement on the other side of the learner’s mouth. Start above the upper middle teeth and move your thumb along the gums to the back left molar area. Repeat about 3 times. Then repeat the same motion on the lower gums.

• Step 3

  During each step, notice the learner’s response and adjust accordingly. Try adding more/less pressure and observe the learner’s response. For a learner who is hyposensitive, try dipping your finger in ice water before beginning gum massage.

  *You may repeat this exercise several times throughout the day, as often as possible.

  **If the learner does not allow any gum massage at all, you may start on the cheeks or on the jawline, moving from the sides of the face towards the mouth.