07/12/2025
This Why some of the cerebral palsy children can not close their mouth 👄 for now, Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects muscle control and coordination, and it can impact various motor functions, including those involved in closing the mouth properly. Here are a few reasons why children with cerebral palsy might struggle with this:
1. Muscle Weakness and Poor Muscle Tone (Hypotonia or Hypertonia):
Children with CP often have either low muscle tone (hypotonia) or high muscle tone (hypertonia), both of which can affect the muscles that control the jaw and mouth. Low tone may cause the muscles to be too weak to close the mouth properly, while high tone can cause muscles to become stiff or spastic, making it difficult to relax and close the mouth
2. Poor Coordination and Control of Movements:
CP often affects the brain's ability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements. Closing the mouth involves precise coordination of multiple muscles (around the jaw, cheeks, lips, and tongue). In children with CP, this coordination may be impaired, making it hard to close the mouth fully or maintain that position.
3. Oral Motor Dysfunction:
CP can cause dysfunction of the oral muscles, which are responsible for chewing, swallowing, and closing the mouth. This means children might have difficulty controlling their lips, tongue, and jaw during normal activities like eating or speaking, which can lead to an inability to close the mouth properly
4. Jaw and Teeth Alignment:
Some children with CP may have dental issues, like misaligned teeth or jaw problems (such as an underbite or overbite), which can physically make it harder for them to close their mouth in a typical way.
5. Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties:
Many children with CP experience difficulties with feeding and swallowing (dysphagia), which may involve problems with mouth closure as part of the broader challenges. This can lead to an open mouth posture due to difficulty with the mechanics of swallowing food or liquids.
6. Spasticity and Contractures:
Some children with CP experience spasticity (increased muscle tone) in certain muscles, which may cause abnormal postures or difficulty relaxing the muscles of the mouth. Over time, spastic muscles can lead to contractures, which are shortening or tightening of muscles, further limiting the ability to close the mouth.
Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists often work with children with CP to improve oral motor control, strengthen muscles, and address issues with mouth closure. In some cases, interventions like oral motor exercises, feeding therapy, or braces to address jaw alignment can help
