popsicles or ice cubes. Sip or use a straw to drink ice water from a cup. Feel the “swallow muscles” work with your fingers. Again, praise and
encourage swallowing. For example: “You wiped your chin dry. Now swallow.” “Every time you wipe, I want you to swallow.”
3. Increase lip strength and closure. Practice a variety of facial expressions in a mirror using your lips. Make lip sounds like smacking, and
“raspberries.” Blow on flat-mouthed horns. Blow bubbles. Blow through straws. Apply pressure to the lips with fingers or brush them with a soft
bristled toothbrush. Exercise the lips by kissing a stuffed toy or mirror image 20x, or repeating “ba, ba, ba, pa, pa, pa, ma, ma, ma.” Fill your
cheeks with air and keep your lips closed. Hum. Hold a straw or tongue depressor between the lips, without using your teeth.
4. Increase self-monitoring and self-care skills. During short, 15 minute or less activities, set a timer for 2 minute intervals. When it rings, say,
“Check your chin. See if it is wet or dry.” Use a mirror if necessary. Gradually fade your cues and prompts. Place athletic wrist bands or
sweatbands on each wrist. Encourage wiping once with each wrist, then swallowing. This will assure stimulation to and dryness of both sides of
the
lips and chin.
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