Top Signs of Oral Motor Delay in Toddlers
- Megan Crooks
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
Helping feeding, speech, and function take flight for little ones in Santa Barbara.
As parents, we often watch our children’s milestones with great anticipation - first steps, first words, and the first bite of solid food. But what if those milestones come late or with difficulty? One often-overlooked cause could be an oral motor delay.
Oral motor skills involve the movement and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, jaw, tongue, and lips. These skills are essential for speech, feeding, and even facial expressions.
When there is a delay, it can affect many aspects of a toddler’s development.
So how do you know if your child is experiencing an oral motor delay? Below are the most common signs to look for.
1. Difficulty Chewing or Managing Textures
If your toddler consistently gags, spits out food, or avoids certain textures (like chewy meats or crunchy veggies), they may be struggling with oral motor control. This isn’t just picky eating—it might be a sign their muscles aren’t working efficiently.
2. Excessive Drooling
While drooling is normal for infants, persistent drooling beyond 18–24 months may signal delayed oral motor development. The child may have trouble closing their lips or managing saliva due to low muscle tone.
3. Delayed Speech or Slurred Sounds
If your toddler is late to start speaking or has trouble producing clear sounds, an oral motor issue might be at play. Common signs include difficulty with sounds that require tongue or lip coordination—like "p," "b," "m," "t," and "d."
4. Open Mouth Posture or Mouth Breathing
Children with oral motor delays often rest with their mouths open or breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. This can lead to improper tongue positioning and other issues that affect speech and feeding.
5. Messy Eating or Poor Lip Closure
If your toddler frequently loses food or liquids from their mouth while eating or drinking, it could be more than just typical toddler messiness. Poor lip seal or weak jaw strength may be the root cause.
6. Aversion to Toothbrushing or Oral Care
Children with oral motor difficulties may be hypersensitive (or under-sensitive) to touch inside the mouth, leading to a strong dislike of toothbrushing or oral exams. This could indicate sensory processing challenges linked to oral motor function.
When to Seek Help
If your toddler shows several of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in oral motor and feeding therapy. Early intervention can make a big difference in improving your child’s ability to eat, speak, and thrive.
At Seabird Speech Therapy, Megan specializes in oral motor therapy, myofunctional therapy, and feeding therapy for toddlers and young children. Using a compassionate, individualized approach, kids build strength, coordination, and confidence in their oral motor skills and development.
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