In preparing for feeding and swallowing therapy, which is a method of increasing buccal mastication, EXCEPT?

• A. Opening the mouth widely while saying 'ah'
• B. Stretching the lips as tightly as possible and saying 'ee'
• C. Rounding the lips tightly and saying 'oh'
• D. Rapidly alternating between 'ee' and 'oh'

Answer: (A)

Increasing buccal mastication means strengthening the cheek and lip muscles (buccinator and surrounding perioral muscles) so the bolus can be held between the teeth and properly manipulated inside the mouth. Exercises that actively recruit these muscles build buccal tone and coordination, which helps control food within the oral cavity during swallowing prep.

Opening the mouth widely while saying “ah” mainly expands the oral opening and lifts the soft palate; it isn’t specifically targeting the cheek muscles or the cheek-to-teeth resistance that buccal mastication requires. In contrast, stretching the lips tightly while saying “ee” engages the lip and cheek muscles, rounding the lips and saying “oh” adds resistance with lip rounding, and rapidly alternating between “ee” and “oh” trains quick, coordinated lip and cheek movements. These latter techniques directly work the buccal region to improve mastication efficiency and bolus control.