Findings from this baseline will yield data critical to the design of an effective intervention program. The focus of oral motor intervention will be determined by the baseline assessment. Some examples of interventions might include increasing sensory awareness at the gums and inner lower cheeks, increasing passive range of cheek and lip movement, increasing posterior cheek strength, increasing lip strength at the sides and center of the upper and lower lips, increasing internal jaw strength, increasing soft palate activation, and increasing the variety of intrinsic tongue muscle movements. Drooling may still occur intermittently, especially during the occurrence of teething, gum or tooth disease, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, allergies, middle ear infections, gastroesophageal reflux, mouth breathing, increased level of activity, increased level of concentration, or decreased level of consciousness. The overall occurrence of drooling is reduced due to the increased internal oral motor control the individual has developed.
Function is the focus of the treatment outcome.