By Kimi Nishimoto
Myofunctional Therapist
Air swallowing: Make sure to put the nozzle in all the way, keep the tip anchored to the bottom of the nozzle where “the spot” would be (where you say N). Keeping the tip anchored to the bottom of the nozzle and compressing the nozzle against the middle of the tongue and palate will give you the proper mechanics. For those with a high palate, the nozzle may need to be more against the palate vs flat on the tongue.
Sucking in cheeks: Make sure the nozzle is in all the way, keep the tip anchored to the bottom of the nozzle where “the spot” would be (where you say N). Relax the face and try to hold the jaw still or lightly massage the cheeks to remind yourself to relax the cheeks. Use the tongue to draw the water out instead of the cheeks like with a normal straw.
Moving the jaw: Make sure the nozzle is in all the way, keep the tip anchored to the bottom of the nozzle where “the spot” would be (where you say N). Relax the face and try to hold the jaw still. Use the tongue to draw the water out instead of the cheeks like with a normal straw. If the child is struggling with this, gently hold their lower jaw or lightly massage the cheeks to release that tension and draw the liquid in using the tongue.
Noisy swallowing: Make sure the nozzle is in all the way, keep the tip anchored to the bottom of the nozzle where “the spot” would be (where you say N). Think of the tongue like a pump, the center of the tongue should draw the water out and cup it in the center of the tongue, then when swallowing the center of the tongue pumps against the nozzle and palate to swallow the water. Staying relaxed and not straining can also help.
Difficulty drawing the water out: Make sure the nozzle is in all the way, keep the tip anchored to the bottom of the nozzle where “the spot” would be (where you say N). You may be unintentionally trying to use it like a normal straw and using cheek muscles. To suck in water using the tongue, make sure that you get the tongue positioned correctly, and focus on relaxing the cheeks and not moving the jaw, you may need to gently massage the cheeks to relax them. Focus on small sips. Once you get it started, keep the nozzle in and practice doing back to back drinks and breathing through the nose when you need to. You may also want to make sure the mouthpiece is inserted all the way in the straw.
