Cheek Punches for Myofunctional Therapy
The Cheek Punches Exercise is a fun, playful way to strengthen your child’s tongue and facial muscles. It helps prepare them for clearer speech, better chewing, and improved tongue control.
Why It’s Helpful
This exercise supports tongue strength, control, and coordination, all of which are key for oral motor skills like holding food in place and forming accurate speech sounds.
How to Do It
Open your mouth halfway.
Push your tongue into one cheek like you’re giving it a gentle “punch.”
Then switch sides and punch the other cheek.
Repeat 10 times (5 on each side).
You can also make it more challenging by holding each “punch” for 5 seconds on each side — try half the round with your mouth open and the other half with lips together.
Tips for Success
Use a mirror for coordination, and make it fun! Pretend your child’s cheek is a balloon or a punching bag to keep them laughing and engaged.
This quick activity targets the zygomatic major and risorius muscles, which support tongue coordination and jaw stability - great prep for later skills like “pickle tongue” and food collection.
Author: Brittany Schoellkopf M.S., CCC-SLP