Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy & How Can It Benefit Your Child?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, also known as Orofacial Myology, is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to treat orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) in children and adults. OMDs involve improper movement patterns of the lips, mouth, tongue, and face that affect normal growth, development, and function. These disorders are not only functional but are also often visible, which can impact a child’s appearance and self-esteem. The term “tongue thrust” is commonly used to describe one form of OMD, though it does not encompass the full range of these disorders.

What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders are conditions where the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue do not function as they should. These disorders can lead to various issues, such as difficulty with chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Some common symptoms include a visible protrusion of the tongue, difficulty keeping the lips closed, mouth breathing, and even speech impediments. While the most recognized form of OMD is “tongue thrust,” there are many other conditions under the OMD umbrella that can interfere with a child’s daily life.

How Can Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Help?

The primary goal of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is to correct the resting posture of the lips and tongue, which in turn can improve a variety of related issues. These include nasal breathing, speech clarity, and the ability to manage liquids and solids properly. Furthermore, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is particularly useful for children who are about to undergo orthodontic treatment, as it can help prevent relapse after braces and prepare them for more complex oral surgeries.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is especially beneficial when combined with speech therapy. For children who suffer from speech issues related to incorrect tongue and lip posture, such as a lisp on “s” or “z” sounds, OMT can be a crucial part of their treatment plan. By improving oral posture, OMT can address various speech sounds, including those that affect clarity and intelligibility.

Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Children

1. Improved Breathing: One of the key benefits of OMT is its ability to encourage nasal breathing. Children with OMDs often rely on mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth, poor oral health, and a host of other issues. OMT helps retrain children to breathe through their noses, improving overall respiratory function.
2. Enhanced Speech Development: As previously mentioned, OMT can help with speech impediments that arise from improper tongue and lip positioning. Common issues include a lisp or difficulty articulating certain sounds. By correcting these postural issues, OMT helps children improve their speech clarity, enhancing their communication skills.
3. Prevention of Orthodontic Issues: Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can also play a significant role in orthodontic treatment. By addressing the root causes of tongue thrust and other related disorders, OMT can prevent relapse after braces, reduce the risk of misalignment, and improve the overall success of orthodontic treatments. Additionally, OMT can help prepare children for oral surgery, ensuring a smoother procedure and recovery.
4. Better Swallowing and Eating Habits: OMT addresses swallowing patterns and the way children manage liquids and solids. For children with OMDs, improper swallowing can lead to choking or digestive issues. Through therapy, they learn to swallow correctly, which can improve their overall eating experience and digestion.
5. Improved Facial Appearance and Self-Esteem: Because OMDs often lead to visible changes in the face, such as an open mouth posture, correcting these disorders through OMT can lead to a more balanced and attractive facial appearance. This can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Certification and Training for Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists

While many speech therapists are trained to address tongue thrust and related speech issues, some therapists specialize in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. These professionals are fully certified and undergo additional training to understand the intricacies of facial and oral muscle functions. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists use a combination of techniques to help correct posture, improve function, and provide a comprehensive solution for OMDs.

The Importance of Qualified Professionals

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy should only be provided by qualified professionals, as it requires specific knowledge and training to ensure the correct techniques are used. Inexperienced therapists may not fully understand the complexity of the disorders or how to address them properly. Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists are the most equipped to help children and adults achieve the best possible outcomes.

Learn More About Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

At FYZICAL’s Papillion Clinic, I am trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and am available to help children address these disorders. If you suspect your child may benefit from this type of therapy, feel free to reach out to me directly at ckuhn@fyzicalnebraska.com for a consultation.

For more information, visit our Pediatric Therapy Page.

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