Myofunctional Therapy

An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) describes any irregularities in the form and function of the muscles or the face and mouth. Disorders of the muscles of the face and mouth in children can cause issues with breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, breathing, sleep, dental alignment, oral hygiene, and even social interactions (due to open-mouth breathing, drooling, and/or holding the tongue out of the mouth).

Symptoms

• Snoring

• Persisting food aversions

• Drooling

• Tongue Thrust

• Improper jaw growth or malocclusion

• Speech Sound errors

• A habit of open mouth at rest

• Mouth Breathing

• Sleep-disordered breathing/apnea

• Thumb and finger-sucking habits

• A tongue that rests towards the front of the mouth, either between or against the teeth

What happens in Myofunctional Therapy?
Your therapist uses exercises and behavior modification techniques to retrain the muscles of the face and tongue, with the aim of correcting proper posture at rest, during speech, and swallowing.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Children
One key benefit is improved breathing. Myofunctional therapy helps to correct improper breathing patterns such as mouth-breathing and shallow breathing. Teaching children how to use their nasal passages during breathing properly can lead to better oxygen intake and increased energy levels. Another benefit is enhanced speech clarity. Myofunctional exercises target the tongue's position and movements within the oral cavity, helping to improve articulation and pronunciation. This can be particularly beneficial for children who struggle with speech disorders or have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.