

In a normal swallowing process, the muscles of the mouth and throat play a crucial role. By performing simple exercises, older adults & patients can effectively strengthen their oral muscles. The following set of 9 oral exercises can be practiced daily to enhance oral muscle function!
While engaging in these exercises, it’s important for seniors to also consider their diet. Eating pureed diet can increase the risk of aspiration and coughing, and food may remain in the mouth longer. Optimized softmeal not only help mitigate these risks but also allow seniors to enjoy the true flavors of their food, enhancing their overall dining experience!
*This content is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please consult a speech therapist or healthcare provider.
Source of Oral Exercise Information: The Swallowing Research Lab at the University of Hong Kong, Tōshima Method for Swallowing Exercises.

1. Lip range training
Open your mouth as wide as possible, hold for 5 seconds, then purse your lips and exhale. Repeat 1 to 3 times.

2. Lip strength training
Push your cheeks outward, hold for 5 seconds, then relax, and repeat 1 to 3 times.

3. Lip range and strength training
Sip from the straw with your lips, hold for 5-10 seconds, then relax, repeat 1-3 times.

4. Tongue range training
Use your tongue to make circles in your mouth, alternating between clockwise and counterclockwise, and repeat 1 to 3 times.

5. Tongue strength training
Place your fingers on your cheeks and use your tongue to fight against the fingers on your face. Hold for 3 seconds. Do this 1 to 3 times on each side of your face.

6. Tongue range and strength training
Use the tip of your tongue to push up against the back of your upper teeth, then relax. Repeat 1 to 3 times.

7. Tongue lifting training
Place a piece of cloth about 10 cm long on the tip of your tongue, then move the cloth with your tongue, from left to right, and from right to left, repeat 1 to 3 times.

8. Cheek strength training
Place the tongue pressure pads on both sides of the cheeks, push them outwards slightly, and let the cheeks move inwards to fight the tongue pressure. Then relax and repeat 1 to 3 times on each side.

9. Neck training
Lie flat on the bed, keep your shoulders still, raise your head until you can see your toes, hold for 1 minute, then relax, gently put your head down, rest for 1 minute, and repeat 1 to 3 times.