Myofunctional Therapy treats atypical muscle patterns of the mouth & face

Myofunctional Therapy treats atypical muscle patterns of the mouth & faceMyofunctional Therapy treats atypical muscle patterns of the mouth & faceMyofunctional Therapy treats atypical muscle patterns of the mouth & faceMyofunctional Therapy treats atypical muscle patterns of the mouth & faceMyofunctional Therapy treats atypical muscle patterns of the mouth & face

OroFacial MyoFunctional Disorders (OMDs)

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are the dysfunction of the muscles of the mouth and face characterized by any atypical pattern that interferes with normal growth, development and function of the facial and mouth muscles used to speak, chew and swallow. If left untreated, it may directly or indirectly affect breastfeeding, facial growth, chewing, swallowing, speech, hygiene, and more

Signs and Symptoms

Mouth breathing

Drooling/poor saliva management

Open Mouth Posture

Noxious oral Habits

(Thumb & digit sucking, pacifier, nail biting)

Habits leading to orthodontic relapse

Ankyloglossia or tongue tie

Picky and or messy eating

*These are common symptoms included but not limited in OMD's*

Common Types of OMDs

Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrust is an abnormal placement of the tongue (front/side) during swallowing. It can create an open bite, cause a relapse in orthodontic treatment and possible lisping. Often times it’s found to exist in those with air way obstruction. Read Article

Thumb sucking/Pacifier/Oral Habits

Prolonged oral habits displace the lips, tongue and/or jaw from their natural rest posture. Severity of the incorrect muscle function depends on frequency, duration and intensity of the habit.

Tongue Tie

Tongue tie is a condition of altered tongue mobility due to the presence of restrictive tissue between the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of mouth. When there is such a restriction it could impair optimal oral functions. Some examples are speech, chewing & swallowing. Read Article

Lip Competence

Lip incompetence is an inability to maintain a lips together, closed mouth posture at rest and showing strain in the muscles around the face when a lip seal is attempted. Possible causes: Allergies, deviated septum, tongue thrusting, weak muscle tone, digit sucking, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, sleep disorders. This condition can obstruct your airway, leading to chronic mouth breathing. Read Article

Video Resources:

Reverse swallow

Oral rest posture. Where is your tongue resting right now?

Swallowing or Feeding Issues? High Palate or Tongue Tie?

Mouth breathing and it's impact on craniofacial growth and development

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