What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Does any of this sound familiar?
Mouth Breathing
Do you or your child mouth breath at night? Have a mouth open posture when not speaking? Breath more out of the mouth than the nose?
These are all signs of disordered breathing and can have significant impacts on many aspects of health.
Dental
Issues
Do you or your child have dental malocclusions? (ie: overbite, underbite) Have you had to have braces several times?
Does you or your child’s tongue push forward when you swallow?
Sleep Difficulties
Do you or your child wake up multiple times a night? Do they snore? Do you feel exhausted even though you sleep through the night?
These are signs of disordered sleep and/or disorder breathing and can have impact your health.
Oral Habits
Does your child still use a pacifier or suck their thumb?
Extended use of oral habits can impact the mouth and dental structures and lead to need for future orthodontics and other health issues.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can help with oral habit cessation and decrease habits that lead to further dental issues.
Eating or Swallowing Difficulties
Do you or your child prefer only soft foods, have difficulty with chewing and managing harder to chew foods?
Do you need to drink in order to clear food from your mouth every swallow? Do you cough or clear your throat often while eating?
These may be signs of disordered swallow patterns and decreased swallow safety that can be addressed through OMT and other speech therapy techniques.
Speech Articulation Difficulties
Do you or your child still have articulation difficulties despite being addressed by speech therapy for years?
Examples may include: lisps (where someone produces the “S” and “Z” sounds with his or her tongue forward or laterally between the teeth), and difficulty producing sounds due to reduced tongue mobility.
These are all signs and symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders
Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) and Their Impact on Health
When you think about overall health, you may not immediately consider the role the tongue plays. However, this small, but mighty muscle is integral to many aspects of our health and development. The tongue’s position in the mouth has a profound effect on everything from facial structure to airway health and even speech. One common issue that can impact the tongue’s function is orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).
What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?
Orofacial myofunctional disorders refer to abnormal muscle function in the mouth, face, and jaw. These disorders can result in a range of symptoms, affecting everything from speech to swallowing to overall facial development. The key to treating OMDs is recognizing the signs early and addressing the habits or conditions that may be contributing to these issues.
The Importance of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and jaw to work properly. This therapy is beneficial for both children and adults who have developed improper muscle patterns over time. The goals of orofacial myology include:
- Restoring correct tongue posture and muscle function
- Improving breathing patterns (encouraging nasal breathing)
- Supporting proper jaw and facial development in children
- Helping with speech articulation
- Reducing symptoms like snoring and sleep apnea
- Preventing orthodontic relapse
Therapy often includes exercises to retrain the tongue and muscles, teaching the body to adopt healthier, more functional patterns.
Why Early Intervention is Key
The earlier OMDs are addressed, the better the outcome. Consistent therapy can help restore proper muscle function and prevent long-term issues with speech, breathing, jaw alignment, and facial development. While therapy requires commitment and consistent effort, the results—improved health, sleep, and overall well-being—are well worth it.
If you suspect that your child may be experiencing issues related to OMDs, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s quality of life, helping them develop healthy habits and avoid future complications.
Have questions or concerns about OMD’s?
What are Myofunctional Disorders?
Understanding the Hidden Causes of Speech, Breathing, and Sleep Issues
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