Myofunctional Therapy
Children, teenagers, and adults may suffer from orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMDS may interfere with normal growth and development of the muscles and bones of the face and mouth. These disorders may also interfere with how the muscles of the face and mouth are used for eating, talking, and breathing. Techniques and principles can be used either alone or in combination with other forms of therapy. In combination with Orthodontics, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy has been reported to be effective in the treatment of these disorders.
SLPs often collaborate with other medical professionals, including Dentists & Orthodontists, Otolaryngologists (ENTs), Primary Care Providers, Massage & Craniosacral Therapists, and other therapists, such as physical therapists & occupational therapists
There is not a known, single cause of OMDs. OMDs may be caused by several factors:
Blocked nasal passages because of tonsil size or allergies. When the nasal passages are blocked, people may need to breathe through their mouth instead.
Anything that causes the tongue to be misplaced at rest or makes it difficult to keep the lips together at rest.
Sucking and chewing habits past the age of 3 years.
Some signs of an OMD may include the following:
Breathing through the mouth or difficulty breathing through the nose due to allergies or enlarged tonsils/adenoids
Limited tongue movement secondary to muscle weakness or a tongue tie (ankyloglossia)
Messy or difficulty eating
An overbite, underbite, and/or other dental problems.
The tongue pushing against and/or past the teeth, even when a person is not talking or using the tongue.
Difficulty saying some sounds, like "s" in "sun," "sh" in "ship," or "j" in "jump."
Drooling, especially beyond age 2.
Difficulty closing the lips to swallow.