ARK Bite Blocks for Jaw Grading and Stability

ARK Bite Blocks are a set of three graded oral motor tools designed to build jaw grading and jaw stability. They are intended for use by therapists, school staff and parents working on oral motor skills with children and adults. Jaw grading is the ability to open the jaw in a controlled way to different heights, and jaw stability is the strength, coordination and endurance to hold the jaw steady without it sliding forwards or sideways.

How it helps

Each block has two arms of different thicknesses, giving six graded sizes across the set, from about 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to 1.52 cm (0.6 inches). Gentle sensory bumps on each arm grip the teeth. The blocks are firm enough to give resistance but not fully rigid, so they are gentler on teeth. Start with the thickest block that fits comfortably, place it between the premolars on one side, and ask the user to bite and hold. Repeat on the other side. For more challenge, gently pull the block while the bite is held, or place it at the front of the mouth for a bite using both sides. Move to a thinner size once jaw control is consistent.

For schools

• Supports oral motor programmes set by a speech and language therapist.
• Numbered sizes from 1 to 6 make progress easy to track and record.
• Colour coded blocks help staff pick the right size quickly.
• Washes by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

For parents and home use

• Lets you continue therapy activities between sessions.
• Clear numbering shows which size to use next.
• Compact set that is easy to store and carry.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Some children and young people with SEND have difficulties with jaw control, which can affect eating, drinking and speech. Structured, graded practice with tools like these can form part of a wider oral motor plan agreed with a therapist, giving consistent practice at school and at home.

Why graded jaw work can help

A stable, well graded jaw gives a steady base for the lips and tongue to move independently. Working through sizes in small steps allows strength and control to build gradually. ARK suggests its Grabber or Y-Chew for softer chewing practice alongside the blocks.

If you would like help deciding whether these blocks suit your learner, our team is happy to help.

• Design: Three double ended blocks with gentle sensory bumps that grip the teeth; firm but not fully rigid.
• Sizes: Orange arms 1 and 2 (about 0.32 cm and 0.51 cm / 0.125 and 0.2 inches), Magenta arms 3 and 4 (about 0.76 cm and 1.02 cm / 0.3 and 0.4 inches), Teal arms 5 and 6 (about 1.27 cm and 1.52 cm / 0.5 and 0.6 inches).
• Dimensions: Each block is about 18.4 cm (7.25 inches) long; each arm is about 7.4 cm (2.9 inches) long and 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) wide.
• Material: Medical-grade materials.
• Use: To be used by a therapist or caregiver with direct supervision at all times.
• Package contents: 3 bite blocks (Orange, Magenta and Teal).
• Made in: Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• Structured SEND support. Graded steps for learners with oral motor needs, used as part of a therapist's plan.
• Easy to track progress. Six numbered, colour coded sizes show exactly where each learner is.
• School and home practice. Dishwasher safe set for consistent practice in class and at home.
• Trusted maker. Made in the USA by ARK Therapeutic and supplied by UK specialist The Dyslexia Shop.

What's in the Box

• 1 x Orange bite block (sizes 1 and 2)
• 1 x Magenta bite block (sizes 3 and 4)
• 1 x Teal bite block (sizes 5 and 6)

Care and Cleaning

Wash by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Safety and Age Suitability

Not a toy. This tool should be used by a therapist or caregiver and directly supervised at all times.

• What are ARK Bite Blocks?
  ARK Bite Blocks are a set of three graded oral motor tools for building jaw grading and jaw stability. Each double ended block has two arms of different thicknesses, giving six numbered sizes, with gentle sensory bumps that help the arms grip the teeth during biting exercises.
• Who are they for?
  They are for therapists, school staff and parents supporting children or adults who are working on jaw control. ARK states the tool should be used by a therapist or caregiver with direct supervision at all times. The page does not give a specific age range.
• Do they help children with SEND?
  They can support children with SEND who have difficulties with jaw control. Used as part of a programme agreed with a speech and language therapist, graded biting practice can help build strength and coordination. They are a therapy tool, not a chew toy.
• Can they be used in school?
  Yes, they can be used in school as part of a therapist's oral motor programme. Numbered, colour coded sizes help staff follow the plan and record progress. An adult must supervise directly at all times, and the blocks can be washed in a dishwasher.
• How do I use them at home?
  Start with the thickest block that fits comfortably and place it between the premolars on one side. Ask the user to bite and hold, then repeat on the other side. Move to a thinner size once jaw control is consistent, following your therapist's advice.
• How big are the blocks?
  Each block is about 18.4 cm (7.25 inches) long, and each arm is about 7.4 cm (2.9 inches) long and 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) wide. Arm thicknesses run from about 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) for size 1 to about 1.52 cm (0.6 inches) for size 6.
• How do I clean them?
  Wash the blocks by hand or place them on the top rack of a dishwasher. Clean them after every session, particularly if they are used with more than one learner, and store them somewhere clean and dry between uses. Check them regularly for damage.