An oral mechanism exam evaluates the physical condition and function of the mouth and related structures, and can be performed by dentists, physicians, and speech pathologists. The exam includes an evaluation of the facial structure and physical characteristics of the oral cavity, as well as an assessment of the movement and function of the mouth and its organs. The exam can detect a variety of functional problems and is generally non-invasive.
An oral mechanism exam is a medical evaluation designed to evaluate the physical condition and function of the mouth and related structures. A variety of professionals may perform an oral mechanism exam, including dentists, physicians, and speech pathologists. The oral mechanism assessment can be part of a comprehensive head and neck examination or can be done in isolation. These tests are commonly used to diagnose the causes of many different types of speech impairments.
The first part of the oral mechanism exam is usually a thorough evaluation of the facial structure and physical characteristics of the oral cavity. All relevant structures are included in the exam, such as the teeth, tongue, palate, jaw, throat and tonsils. Some physical abnormalities that can be discovered, such as cleft palate, can be quite obvious even to the untrained eye. However, an experienced specialist will generally also be able to detect much more subtle malformations. The size and symmetry of all organs will be checked, as sometimes even a small deviation, for example in the shape of the bone, can cause a problem with vocalization.
In some cases, the structure of all affected organs is normal, but function may be impaired. Therefore, the examination of the oral mechanism also includes an assessment of the movement and function of the mouth and its organs. Typically, the practitioner performing the exam will instruct the patient to make certain sounds or speak specific words, while making detailed observations of various jaw movements and oral structures. Jaw function is assessed, along with the ability of the facial muscles to perform normal facial control, tongue movement, soft palate, and the rest of the mouth.
During an examination of the oral mechanism a large variety of functional problems can be detected. For example, paralysis of a certain group of oral muscles can result in the inability to lift the soft palate when speaking, making the voice sound nasal. Another example would be weakening of the muscles on one side of the tongue, which could cause slurred speech.
Oral mechanism examination is generally a non-invasive procedure. Discomfort is usually minimal, and these tests are routinely performed on young children and adults. These assessments are important in uncovering or eliminating physical problems that may underlie undiagnosed speech disorders.
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