There should be a harmonious relationship between the muscles of the face, mouth and throat. When working together, these muscles allow you to breathe, chew, swallow, speak and move easily and painlessly. Myofunctional therapy seeks to correct any functional issues in the face through repetitive facial exercises.

 

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

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Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) involve improper use of the tounge, facial muscles and nasal breathing. Evident as any abnormal lip, jaw, cheek or tongue position during rest, swallowing or speech, OMDs can affect anything from breathing to eating and speaking.  OMDs are often the result of long term learned habits, like thumb or finger sucking. They generally develop early in life, but early treatment can stop them from developing into more serious problems.

 

Signs and Symptoms that can be indicative of orofacial myofunctional disorders include:

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• Open mouth posture

• Restricted airway

• Improper oral habits

• Tongue thrust

• Jaw pain

• Incorrect lip posture

• Thumb sucking

• Drooling

• Mouth breathing

• TMJ/TMD

• Sleep disorders

• Cross bite

• Developmental abnormalities

• Tongue tied

• Chewing problems

• Swallowing problems

• Speech disorder

• Nail biting

• Teeth grinding

• Short upper lip

• Tongue release