Orofacial Myology

aka Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

“The study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health (Holtzman, 2014).” Disturbances are often seen when compensatory muscle movements are present in the orofacial complex. When one or more of these disturbances interfere with correct oral rest posture, the oral prep phase and/or oral phase swallow, an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is present. Examples of disturbances include one or more of the following: a) noxious oral habits, b) open mouth posture, c) tongue forward posture, and d) tongue thrust swallow (Holtzman, 2014).

What is an OMD (Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder)?
OMDs are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth which can affect breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth, breathing, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, sleep, and more.

Children ages 4 years+ into adulthood can benefit from myofunctional therapy.

  • • Airway concerns such as the inability to nasal breathe, enlarged adenoids/tonsils, allergies, deviated septum, and sinusitis

    • Improper oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, cheek/nail/cuticle biting, teeth clenching/grinding, and tongue, lip, or cheek sucking

    • Extended use of a pacifier and/or long-term use of sippy cups

    • Structural or physiological abnormalities which may include a short lingual frenulum (tongue-tie)

    • Neurological deficits and developmental delays

    • Hereditary predisposition

  • • Abnormal oral rest posture (tongue resting low and/or forward in the mouth)

    • Tongue thrust

    • Mouth breathing

    • Tethered oral tissues

    • Atypical swallow pattern

    • Selective eating/limited accepted foods

    • Drooling

    • Noxious oral habits

    • Articulation issues

    • Dental issues: malocclusion, gum disease, halitosis

    • High and/or narrow palate

    • Orthodontia relapse (teeth shifting after braces)

    • Airway issues: mouth breathing, noisy breathing, congestion, snoring

    • Sleep disordered breathing

    • Changes in appearance; emotional issues

    • Plateau in speech therapy for articulation (often R and S sounds)

  • • Prolonged mouth-breathing patterns that compromise overall healthy breathing

    • Establishment of detrimental oral habits that impede further growth and development

    • Establishment of atypical patterns that impact chewing and swallowing

    • Improper development and alignment of the teeth

    • Improper development of jaw growth and facial structure

    • Slowing the process of orthodontic treatment and/or orthodontia relapse

    • Negatively impacting the stability and function of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) resulting in TMD

    • Speech distortions

    • Negatively affecting social relationships due to open mouth postures or noisy chewing

    • Decreased quality of sleep

If your child is 4+ years old and is sucking his or her thumb, give us a call and ask us about myofunctional therapy for habit elimination!