For a 7-month-old girl with Down syndrome and orofacial hypotonia, which technique increases orofacial sensitivity?

• A. Apply deep, sustained pressure around the mouth
• B. Apply firm but gentle stroking around the mouth and the tongue
• C. Mouth play with soft toys
• D. Drinking through large diameter straws

Answer: (B)

Targeted tactile input around the lips and tongue boosts oral awareness in infants with orofacial hypotonia. Firm but gentle stroking around the mouth and tongue provides consistent, non-painful sensory stimulation that helps the oral structures become more aware of themselves and how they move. This kind of input supports better lip seal, jaw stability, and tongue coordination during feeding, which is especially helpful when tone is low, as in Down syndrome.

Deep, sustained pressure around the mouth can be too intense or uncomfortable, which may not promote calm sensory engagement. Mouth play with soft toys offers exploration but doesn’t provide the structured, repetitive sensory input focused on the lips and tongue. Drinking through large diameter straws emphasizes practicing sucking and bolus management rather than increasing general orofacial sensitivity.