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Oral Motor Exercises for Tongue Tip Sounds

Sandra Uhl, M.A.

July 14, 2008

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Question

What oral motor exercises what be helpful in supporting the mouth for production of the tongue tip sounds.

Answer

Oral motor exercises per se are probably not warranted for a child who has problems with tongue tip sounds. Without knowing what particular sounds are involved, such as t, d, and l, I would recommend tongue clicks. The parents can model using the tip of the tongue up behind the upper teeth making a clicking sound and the child imitates. Using a mirror can be helpful. Also it may help to use peanut butter on that 'spot' or also a dum dum lollypops flavored tongue depressor. It is always helpful to know the child's age.

Sandra Uhl was a professor at Miami University of Ohio for 32 years where she specialized in articulation and phonological disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders. She supervised students in their clinical practicum and also had a private practice for many years.


Sandra Uhl, M.A.


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