As Virat’s therapist, you explain that which is not a goal of his oral-motor control exercises?

• A. Increase movement of the base of the tongue
• B. Increase range of tongue movements
• C. Increase buccal tension
• D. Increase the range of lateral movements of the jaw

Answer: (A)

Oral-motor control exercises aim to strengthen and coordinate the muscles involved in speaking and chewing, focusing on the lips, tongue tip and body, cheeks, and jaw to improve articulation and safe swallowing. Goals typically include expanding the range of tongue movements (often the visible, anterior part of the tongue), increasing buccal tension to help with lip seal and bolus control, and enhancing the jaw’s lateral range for chewing and precise speech gestures. The base of the tongue sits toward the back of the mouth and is more involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing than in the fine, observable oral movements targeted by these exercises. Therefore, increasing movement of the base of the tongue isn’t a standard objective of oral-motor control exercises; that area is usually addressed in swallow-focused therapy. The other aims described align with typical oral-motor goals for articulation and mastication.