Using Oral Motor Activities to Support Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh: Helping Kids Build Strong Foundations for Speech

Speech development involves more than just vocabulary—it starts with the muscles of the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw. For many children in Phnom Penh, challenges with articulation or delayed speech can be rooted in oral motor weaknesses. At OrbRom Center, we integrate oral motor exercises into our speech therapy in Phnom Penh to build the muscle coordination needed for clear speech.

The image above—showing a young child enjoying a fun oral activity while her parent encourages her—is a perfect representation of how simple, playful tools can lay the groundwork for stronger speech production.

What Are Oral Motor Skills and Why Are They Important?

Oral motor skills refer to the movements of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw that are necessary for:

• Producing sounds clearly

• Controlling saliva

• Eating and swallowing safely

• Breathing through the nose

• Using correct articulation during speech

When these muscles are weak or uncoordinated, a child might speak with slurred or unclear words, struggle with certain sounds (like /s/, /r/, /l/), or avoid speaking altogether. At OrbRom Center, our therapists assess these underlying muscle issues and use targeted exercises—like blowing, sucking, or using straws—to help build coordination.

Learn more about our speech therapy services that include oral motor support.

Oral Motor Therapy Through Play

We make therapy fun and engaging! Tools like:

• Blowing bubbles or pinwheels

• Using horns or straws

• Chewing chewy tubes

• Imitating silly faces and tongue movements

… help children develop strength and control while laughing and having fun. In the photo, the snowflake-shaped oral tool encourages breath control and lip rounding—both critical for producing clear consonant sounds.

These fun routines also reduce anxiety and make the child feel comfortable in therapy.

How Parents Can Help at Home

Parental involvement is key. Our therapists at OrbRom Center work closely with families to ensure that exercises are:

• Safe

• Age-appropriate

• Easy to repeat during daily routines

We teach parents how to integrate oral motor play during snack time, bath time, or bedtime—so practice doesn’t feel like a chore.

If you’re unsure whether your child needs oral motor intervention, book a full assessment. We’ll evaluate their speech production, oral coordination, and swallowing skills.

When to Consider Oral Motor-Focused Speech Therapy

Consider seeking help if your child:

• Has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds despite having the vocabulary

• Often drools or struggles with chewing/swallowing

• Speaks with a “slushy” or mumbled voice

• Avoids talking or gets frustrated when trying to speak

We may also recommend occupational therapy for kids who also struggle with sensory input or motor planning.

Why Phnom Penh Families Choose OrbRom Center

Located in Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center offers expert care, personalized therapy plans, and a warm, child-friendly environment. Our team includes therapists trained in both language and oral motor interventions.

We believe that every child deserves the chance to speak clearly and confidently—and that starts with the muscles that make speech possible.

Give Your Child a Stronger Voice

If you’ve noticed unclear speech or feeding issues, oral motor-based speech therapy in Phnom Penh could be the solution. Our team at OrbRom is here to help your child develop the muscle control and confidence to express themselves.

Visit our speech therapy service page or locate us on Google Maps to get started. Strong speech starts with strong muscles—let us guide the way.