Oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) consists of exercise routines that adjust the tongue and face muscles. Many people do not know, but the tongue's resting position can affect basic oral functions like eating and swallowing, as well as appearance and speech. orofacial myofunctional therapy may help correct oral muscles through specific exercises. Your dental health and smile can also benefit from this specific therapy.
Myofunctional treatment involves various therapy exercises to enhance the bite, respiration, and facial posture of patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). The exercises teach patients how to tone and utilize their tongue and orofacial muscles to perform fundamental processes like breathing via the nose and proper swallowing.
The training focuses on the face, neck, and mouth's soft tissues for proper tongue position and oral rest posture. OMDs may affect individuals of all ages, and therapy is individualized depending on the patient's age and the nature and severity of their symptoms.
An orofacial myofunctional problem arises when the orofacial structures' growth and function are hampered by an aberrant lip, jaw, or tongue position. OMDs may impair a child's ability to nurse, chew, swallow, and speak. They also impact the way the jaw moves, oral hygiene, and overall facial appearance. OMDs may be caused by:
Upper airway blockage: Allergies, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum might all cause nasal airway obstruction. When nasal breathing is impeded, your body responds by mouth-breathing, which may modify the normal posture of your jaw, tongue, and lips long-term.
Chronic thumb-sucking or protracted pacifier or bottle usage: Due to their pressure on the teeth, these bad habits can lead to malocclusion. It may also alter the way the tongue rests and swallowing patterns.
Differences in face muscle and structure: According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the disparity in neuromotor development, early loss of maxillary incisors, Orofacial abnormalities, and ankyloglossia may be to blame for these differences.
A Speech Language Pathologist or Registered Dental Hygienist who has undergone extensive training in OMDs and their treatment will provide Myofunctional therapy. Dental practitioners may go through this training in order to quickly identify OMDs during routine oral examinations and refer patients to a Speech Language Pathologist.
The Speech Language Pathologist will devise a specific training plan for patients to enhance Orofacial muscle function. The training objectives might include creating nasal breathing patterns, regularizing resting positions for the lips and tongue, or eradicating bad oral habits like thumb-sucking.
The Speech Language Pathologist will also work with the patient to improve their awareness of the oral muscles while undergoing the process of retraining these patterns. The therapist will probably recommend oral muscle exercises at home to help patients learn the best possible swallowing, breathing, and sleeping patterns. Regular practice of certain positions and actions improves muscle strength and coordination.
Orofacial Myofunctional therapy will eventually improve your OMD symptoms, from speaking more clearly to eating more effectively and sleeping more peacefully. Your face and smile may also benefit from the resulting cosmetic improvements. Speech Language Pathologists can diagnose your Orofacial Myofunctional problem, treat it, and restore your mouth's alignment. Book an appointment today to get started.
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Orofacial myofunctional therapy includes exercises that help improve mouth, tongue, and facial muscular strength. Speech pathologists often recommend these exercises for health issues like mouth breathing and sleep apnea. Myofunctional therapy exercises are tailored to each patient's specific demands and medical history. The first step to seeking proper treatment is to tell a speech pathologist…
If you have a condition known as orofacial myofunctional dysfunction (OMD), you have a problem with your oral muscles, indicated by abnormal growth and function. Patients of various ages may suffer from OMDs, which may be accompanied by additional speech and swallowing disorders. This article focuses on orofacial myofunctional conditions, including their etiology, symptoms, and…
Orofacial myofunctional disorder, or OMD, refers to the development of atypical adaptive muscle function and patterns in the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles. The tongue and lips are the most often studied myofunctional variants, yet there is a plethora of potential issues. Tongue thrust is the most prevalent orofacial myofunctional disorder. It is critical…
Orofacial myofunctional disorders refer to movements in the face, mouth, and other facial regions that are not normal. Specifically, the lips, jaw, or tongue may rest in an abnormal fashion when speaking, eating, or even in a resting position. This disorder is one that can thankfully be treated by a speech pathologist. However, in order…
Orofacial myofunctional therapy includes exercises that help improve mouth, tongue, and facial muscular strength. Speech pathologists often recommend these exercises for health issues like mouth breathing and sleep apnea. Myofunctional therapy exercises are tailored to each patient's specific demands and medical history. The first step to seeking proper treatment is to tell a speech pathologist…
If you have a condition known as orofacial myofunctional dysfunction (OMD), you have a problem with your oral muscles, indicated by abnormal growth and function. Patients of various ages may suffer from OMDs, which may be accompanied by additional speech and swallowing disorders. This article focuses on orofacial myofunctional conditions, including their etiology, symptoms, and…