Taste
We perceive ____________ by our sense of taste
- Sweet
- Salty
- Sour
- Bitter
- Umami (savory)
Oral Sensory System
We perceive ___________ as a result of our oral sensory system
- Temperature
- Texture
- Taste
And we can control our ability to _____________
- Chew
- Speak
- Eat and drink
Oral Sensory Dysfunction
There are some instances where someone might have problems with some part of their oral sensory system
this would make the skills on the previous slide difficult/ impossible to do normally
They may have either HEIGHTENED oral sensitivity or DECREASED oral sensitivity
Heightened Oral Sensitivity
This is referring to unusually intensified oral sensations, often making textures/tastes/temperatures/chewing “too much” for a person to handle or process
This may lead to ____________ during activities involving the mouth
- Choking
- Gagging
- Avoidance when placing objects/tastes (including food, eating utensils) in mouth
- Tantrums
Decreased Oral Sensitivity
This is referring to unusually desensitized oral experiences, often causing individuals to “seek out” oral textures/tastes/temperatures/chewing more than the typical person
“seeking out” oral sensations might look like _______
- Eating/ preferring foods with strong tastes – drinking ocean water
- Chewing on non edible objects- life jacket straps, snorkel mouth pieces, sand, sleeves
- Making noise with their mouths – humming, clicking, buzzing
Chewelry
Chewelry is a form of jewelry that can be worn like a necklace and can be chewed on
They come in many different styles and provide someone who “seeks” oral sensations a way to satisfy their needs
What can I do?
Safety is the priority- if someone is in danger attempt
to stop the behavior and seek assistance
If you see someone “seeking out” inappropriate oral
sensations, try and suggest a more appropriate activity
*you see someone chewing on their lifejacket
straps, do they have ”chewelry”? Or would they
like to munch on a snack?
