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Functional assessment is an integral part of diagnosing and treating issues related to the lips and tongue, especially in relation to activities such as chewing, swallowing, and speech. It involves the assessment of function and range of motion of these vital oral structures. This process is crucial, as it aids in identifying any restrictions that might be present. Some might argue that structural assessment is more important, but in reality, functional assessment holds more weight when evaluating for restrictions.

So, let's delve deeper into what a functional assessment of the lips and tongue entails.

Functional Assessment of Lips

When assessing the lips, the focus is on key functions that include protrusion, retraction, rounding, and the ability to keep the lips closed.

Protrusion

refers to the ability to push the lips forward, while

retraction

is the action of pulling them back in.

Rounding

involves forming the lips into an 'O' shape, and the ability to keep the

lips closed

is vital for tasks like swallowing and pronouncing certain speech sounds.

Functional Assessment of the Tongue

The tongue, an equally important structure in oral functioning, is assessed based on several parameters as well. These include protrusion, retraction, lateralization, elevation, and lingual palatal suction.

Protrusion

refers to the ability to stick out the tongue beyond the lower lip, while

retraction

is the capability to pull the tongue back into the mouth.

Lateralization

is the tongue's ability to move from side to side within the mouth, and

elevation

measures how high the tongue can lift within the mouth. Lastly,

lingual palatal suction

refers to the tongue's ability to create a suction against the roof of the mouth, which is crucial for swallowing.

Importance of Performing Functions without Compensations

One essential aspect of a functional assessment is ensuring that all functions are performed without any compensations. Compensations are alternate strategies or behaviors that a person might use to make a task easier, such as moving the jaw, grimacing, or creating tension in the neck during the performance of lip and tongue functions. While these may be helpful in the short term, they can lead to issues in the long run, as they don't address the underlying problem. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and address these compensations during the functional assessment.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, functional assessment plays a pivotal role in evaluating restrictions related to the lips and tongue. By focusing on key functions and ensuring they are performed without compensations, we can identify and address any underlying issues, leading to more effective treatment and improved oral functioning.

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