What is Orofacial Myology
The study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health. It observes and treats abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth.
Who is a candidate of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation and Treatment?
Kids (developmentally 4 or older) and Adults!
Symptoms
- Tethered oral tissues (lip, buccal or tongue ties) **prior to a release and after**
- Tongue thrust swallow pattern
- Muscle weakness leading to problems sleeping
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Drooling
- Abnormal oral muscle patterns leading to temporomandibular disorder, migraines, neck pain
- Inadequate muscle tone for chewing
- Improper resting posture of the tongue
- Prolonged thumb sucking, bottle or pacifier use
- Digestive problems
- Forward head posture
- Picky eating
- Articulation errors:
- * t, d, n, l, - impacted by a tongue tie;
- * s, z impacted by poor lingual rest posture;
- * b, p, m – impacted by a lip tie
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy looks at the individual holistically and collaborates with other disciplines to maximize outcomes.
- Orthodontists/Dentists: to ensure optimal orthodontic outcomes by training correct lingual resting posture and eliminating a tongue thrust swallow pattern
- Release providers: to prepare musculature for a tongue tie release AND for retraining the tongue after a release
- ENT: train nasal breathing and correct tongue posture to habitual mouth breathers after the elimination of airway concerns
- Physical Therapy: referred to if postural concerns exist including pelvic tilt, head forward posture, neck tilting, and/or asymmetry in shoulders as identified during the initial assessment
For more information call St. Anthony Rehab Services at (712) 794-5000