What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is used to re-educate the oral facial muscles and help correct functional disorders, including mouth breathing, improper chewing, atypical swallowing and poor tongue rest position.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) are often unrecognized in children and adults and can have an effect on breathing, swallow patterns, muscle tension and proper function of chewing foods.
OMD's are a symptom of functional and structural changes that lead to abnormal growth and development of the facial structures. TMJ issues, grinding, clenching, nail biting, sleep breathing disorders, tooth pain, headaches, neck pain, these are all possible symptoms of a myofunctional disorder or tongue tie.
Our goals are to educate and create awareness of the practice of oral facial myofunctional therapy and help in the individual development and re- education of orofacial muscles to assist in correcting swallow patterns and improve airways in both children and adults.
Proper Rest and Swallow
At proper rest the tongue should naturally rest on the upper palate within the upper tooth arch and the lips should be sealed. This proper rest position helps in the development of the upper palate and and facial bones.
A proper swallow pattern allows the tongue to create a proper seal while swallowing. The front of the tongue should be resting on the palate, while the back of the tongue carries the food to the back of the mouth.
Re-educating the muscles
The main goals of therapy are to achieve a proper swallow pattern and proper rest position of the orofacial muscles. This includes promoting a lip seal, preventing parafunctional habits, promoting proper chewing patterns and aid in developing an airway and promote nasal breathing.