What is the purpose of having a patient open and close their mouth with their tongue on the hard palate?

• A. To enhance muscular strength
• B. To improve motor control
• C. To reduce inflammation
• D. To increase jaw flexibility

Answer: (B)

Having a patient open and close their mouth with their tongue on the hard palate primarily serves the purpose of improving motor control. This activity engages the muscles involved in the coordination of jaw movements, which is essential for executing smooth and precise oral motor functions.

By placing the tongue on the hard palate during this exercise, the patient is encouraged to maintain a stable and controlled position of the tongue while performing the opening and closing motion. This can help to enhance the neuromuscular control of the jaw—fostering better timing, sequencing, and smoothness of movements, which is crucial for eating, speaking, and other oral functions.

Strengthening related musculature may occur indirectly, but the primary focus of this exercise is to reinforce the brain's ability to coordinate movement patterns effectively, thereby improving overall motor control rather than just muscular strength or flexibility. Reducing inflammation is also not directly a goal of this exercise, as it does not address inflammatory processes or tissue healing.