Exercises of the Mouth Muscles

A recent study by the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation indicates that daily exercises of the tongue, lips, and jaw muscles improve saliva secretion, decrease mouth breathing, and improves tongue position during sleep. Exercises of these muscles also improve chewing and swallowing.

Tongue exercises include pushing the tongue against the roof of the mouth and also moving the tongue around all of the cheek areas. Lip exercises involve tightening the lips around any object for 5 seconds at a time. Two sets of exercises three times a day are recommended.

The Journal study found that the overall strength of the facial muscles improved 32% in two weeks. These exercises can be particularly helpful in older individuals or anyone with chewing or swallowing difficulties.