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Tips for Toothbrushing with Oral Defensiveness

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 25th Oct 2012

Oral defensiveness falls into two main categories: HYPOsensitivity and HYPERsensitivity.  Individuals with hyposensitivities have low oral tone and very little awareness of what's going on inside their mouths.  This "oral numbness" so to speak can cause anxiety and fear when it comes to toothbrushing.  On the other hand, individuals with hypersensitivities are overly conscious of …
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Gum Massage for Oral Stimulation

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 6th Jan 2012

Gum massage is a simple yet effective way to provide oral stimulation to a large surface area within the mouth.  This tactile input can: •  help decrease oral aversions for hypersensitive individuals  •  help increase oral awareness for hyposensitive individuals  •  help decrease drooling, mouth stuffing, and/or the need the chew •  be very cal …
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Oral Defensiveness & Aversions

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 2nd Aug 2011

Oral defensiveness falls into two main categories: HYPOsensitivity and HYPERsensitivity: . •  Individuals with hyposensitivities have low oral tone and very little awareness of what's going on inside their mouths.  This "oral numbness" so to speak can cause significant speech and feeding delays.  For example, the ability to create a food bolus is a critical oral motor skill n …
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