Teething rings can play a role in good myofunctional development, which involves the muscles of the face and mouth. Here are three ways they can contribute to this development:
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Promotion of Oral Motor Skills: Teething rings encourage babies to explore oral movements by biting and chewing. This action helps strengthen the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing, promoting oral motor skills. When babies use teething rings, they exercise their jaw muscles, tongue, and cheeks, which can contribute positively to the development of proper swallowing patterns and facial muscle tone.
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Soothing Effect on Oral Discomfort: Teething rings provide a gentle massage to the gums, helping to alleviate discomfort caused by teething. By providing relief, these rings can encourage babies to use their mouths actively, fostering proper oral muscle development. As babies explore the sensation of biting and chewing on the teething ring, they engage various muscles in the mouth, supporting their overall oral motor development.
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Encouragement of Sensory Awareness: Teething rings often come in different textures and shapes. These variations help stimulate sensory awareness in a baby's mouth. As they explore the ring's different surfaces, babies become more aware of their oral environment. This sensory stimulation can contribute to the development of proper oral muscle function, as well as enhancing the baby's ability to manipulate objects in their mouth, which is essential for feeding and speech development.