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ARK's Oral Motor Probe™

(11 reviews) Write a Review
$10.99
Staple sensory oral motor / feeding therapy tool Bumps on one side, lines on the other for varied sensory stimulation Rigid white handle, softer blue tip Personally made by ARK in Columbia, SC, USA See full details below

A versatile tool for oral motor treatment, feeding therapy, & sensory development|||Designed by speech-language pathologist Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP, ARK's Oral Motor Probe™ is an excellent tool for oral motor treatment and sensory development. It has a rectangular tip that is bumpy on one side, striated on the other, and smooth along the edges. These textured surfaces provide tactile input, awareness, and sensation. Use it to stimulate the gums, palate, lips, cheek, and tongue by tapping, stroking, and applying gentle pressure.

The white handle is rigid for an easy grip.  The blue tip is softer with more "give" to be gentle on the lips, tongue, cheeks, and tongue.  At less than 5 inches in length, they’re super lightweight, compact, and portable.  Ideal for oral motor exercises, gum massage, and sensory stimulation whether you’re at home, in therapy, or anywhere in between.  

  • usa-flag.jpg Made in the USA, medical grade, FDA compliant 
  • NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
  • Recommended for ages 3 years and up (depending on the mouth size).  For children under 3 years, we recommend ARK's proMini which has a smaller tip.  
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • The Probe does not vibrate.  To see the vibrating version of the Probe, click here.

triangle.jpeg  Caution: this therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times. 

 

Suggested Uses

•  For individuals with oral sensitivities or aversions, start with the smooth sides, as they provide the least input.  Then progress to the striated side, and eventually the bumpy side.

•  Most of us are either visual or auditory learners. But when these two senses are not enough, you may need to physically direct the articulators for certain speech and feeding skills.  Use the Probe to provide targeted tactile cues within the oral cavity to teach tongue elevation, lip closure, rotary chewing, and much more.

•  For example, use the Probe to apply gentle pressure to the alveolar ridge (just behind the upper front teeth). Then remove the Probe and instruct the individual to touch the same spot with his/her tongue tip. Follow up by prompting the individual to say the tongue tip sounds /t/d/n/l/. 

•  Or use it to stroke the sides of the tongue to encourage lateralization (moving from side to side, a critical skill for manipulating food).  

•  Or use it to provide incremental tactile cues around the lips to practice removing leftover food from the lips. &n