Pediatric Oral Motor Examination
Pediatric Oral Motor Examination
A systematic evaluation of oral structure, function, and coordination essential for feeding, swallowing, and speech development in pediatric patients.
Key Components
- Structural assessment
- Functional evaluation
- Sensory testing
- Feeding observation
- Cranial nerve assessment
Clinical Relevance
- Feeding difficulties
- Speech disorders
- Developmental delays
- Neurological conditions
- Pre/post surgical evaluation
Assessment Components
Structural Assessment
- Facial Symmetry:
- Muscle bulk
- Facial expression
- Movement patterns
- Oral Cavity:
- Lip structure and function
- Tongue size and mobility
- Hard/soft palate integrity
- Dentition/occlusion
- Jaw alignment
Functional Assessment
- Range of Motion:
- Jaw movement
- Tongue mobility
- Lip movement
- Soft palate elevation
- Strength Testing:
- Lip seal
- Tongue pressure
- Jaw strength
- Cheek tension
Examination Technique
Preparation
- Equipment Needed:
- Penlight
- Tongue depressors
- Gloves
- Testing materials (food/liquid)
- Documentation forms
- Patient Positioning:
- Age-appropriate seating
- Proper head/neck alignment
- Adequate lighting
- Caregiver positioning
Systematic Examination
- External Assessment:
- Facial symmetry observation
- Drooling assessment
- Resting posture
- Spontaneous movements
- Oral Structure Examination:
- Lip inspection
- Oral cavity visualization
- Tongue examination
- Palate inspection
- Functional Testing:
- Movement patterns
- Strength assessment
- Coordination evaluation
- Sensory response
Clinical Findings Interpretation
Normal Findings
- Age-appropriate Structure:
- Symmetrical features
- Complete lip closure
- Pink, moist mucosa
- Appropriate tongue size/position
- Normal Function:
- Coordinated movements
- Adequate strength
- Appropriate sensory responses
- Efficient feeding patterns
Abnormal Findings
- Structural Abnormalities:
- Asymmetry
- Palatal defects
- Tongue tie
- Malocclusion
- Functional Deficits:
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness
- Incoordination
- Abnormal reflexes
Documentation and Follow-up
Essential Documentation Elements
- Structural Details:
- Facial features
- Oral cavity structures
- Dental status
- Tissue condition
- Functional Assessment:
- Movement quality
- Strength grading
- Coordination assessment
- Feeding observations
- Clinical Impressions:
- Diagnostic considerations
- Functional impact
- Safety concerns
- Recommendations
Treatment Planning
- Referral Considerations:
- Speech therapy
- Feeding specialist
- ENT consultation
- Dental evaluation
- Follow-up Planning:
- Monitoring schedule
- Progress assessment
- Parent education
- Care coordination
