Our symptoms tell us a story. There is a reason behind why we experience pain. Often times in the medical field, we prescribe a pill to manage the problem, but not to solve it or to figure out the true cause behind it. If you struggle with any of the following and believe in finding out root cause behind these symptoms, orofacial myofunctional therapy might be for you.

-Insufficient/ not quality sleep

-Snoring

-TMJ pain

-Clenching/ tooth grinding

-Seasonal allergies

-Digestive problems

-Speech issues

-Migraines/ headaches

AND MORE!

“Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more, (AOMT).”

Besides OMD’s resulting in unfortunate symptoms, it can also lead to children’s jaws becoming underdeveloped as well as tooth misalignment/ malocclusion. This sets children up for a life leading towards hyperactivity, breathing issues, sleep problems for life.

However, it is important to understand OMD’s do affect adults as well as children, and there is treatment available to people of all ages. OMD’s have been linked to sleep disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea.

Many people with OMD’s have structural concerns such as a tongue tie or enlarged tonsils. Someone with these structural concerns may try to compensate and increase tongue movement by using other muscles. By strengthening muscles and addressing structural concerns, we can overcome negative symptoms and long-term dysfunction, as well as lower risk of disease.

People experiencing symptoms may turn to an orofacial myofunctional therapist for help. The therapist will take a history, as well as take oral measurements and look for any compensations.

From there, a course of treatment will be made. This involved what is called muscular re-education, including exercises of the tongue, mouth, and face for the patient to practice between sessions.

This treatment may also include referrals to additional healthcare professionals.

There are four major goals we look to achieve once therapy is completed.

1. Nasal Breathing

2. Lip Seal

3. Proper Tongue Posture

4. Proper Swallow

These goals may sound simple but are harder to achieve than you may realize. By achieving these goals, we are able to correct or to improve symptoms.