The Importance of Oral Motor Therapy in Phnom Penh’s Speech Development Programs

In the growing community of Phnom Penh, more families are turning to specialized therapy services to help their children overcome speech challenges. One often overlooked yet vital component of speech development is oral motor therapy—an intervention that targets the muscles used for speech, eating, and swallowing.

At OrbRom Center, we believe in a holistic approach to speech and language therapy. For children who struggle with articulation, drooling, feeding difficulties, or delayed speech sounds, oral motor therapy can be the key to unlocking clearer, more confident communication.

What Is Oral Motor Therapy?

Oral motor therapy focuses on strengthening and coordinating the muscles of the mouth, jaw, tongue, and lips. These muscles play a crucial role in speech production and oral feeding. When they are weak, uncoordinated, or underdeveloped, children may have difficulty forming sounds, chewing food, or managing saliva.

Common signs that your child in Phnom Penh might benefit from oral motor therapy include:

• Slurred or unclear speech

• Difficulty producing specific sounds (e.g., “r,” “s,” or “l”)

• Limited tongue movement or control

• Excessive drooling beyond toddler age

• Picky eating or avoiding certain textures

• Mouth breathing or poor lip closure

Why It Matters in Speech Therapy

In Phnom Penh, parents often ask why their child isn’t making progress with speech therapy alone. The answer may lie in the physical foundation of speech: muscle control.

At OrbRom Center, our speech-language pathologists assess not only what a child says, but how they say it. If oral motor weakness is present, we integrate specific exercises and tools into the therapy plan to address these challenges head-on.

Activities may include:

• Tongue elevation and lateralization drills

• Lip and cheek strengthening exercises

• Blowing bubbles, whistles, or straws for breath control

• Use of vibration tools or textured chewies

• Feeding support to improve oral coordination and sensory tolerance

We also work closely with families to ensure exercises are continued at home for maximum effectiveness.

A Trusted Speech Therapy Provider in Phnom Penh

OrbRom Center is committed to providing high-quality, personalized care for children with speech and feeding concerns. Our center is known in Phnom Penh for its experienced therapists, supportive environment, and family-centered approach.

If you’re looking for a trusted speech therapy provider that includes oral motor therapy as part of its comprehensive services, OrbRom Center is here to support you.

You can also find us easily using this Google Maps location.

Final Thought

When a child’s muscles aren’t working together as they should, speaking clearly and confidently becomes a challenge. With the right support—starting with oral motor therapy—your child can build the strength and control needed for successful communication.

In Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center is ready to help your child take that important step forward.