Oral Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth. Infants, children, teenagers and adults can suffer from OMDs. OMDs can interfere with normal growth and development of muscles and bones of the face and mouth. It may also interfere with how the muscles are used for things like talking, swallowing, and breathing.

What is a Myofunctional Disorder?

  • Limited tongue movement

  • Eating that is messy or difficult

  • An overbite, underbite, and/or other dental problems

Common Signs and Symptoms

  • Drooling, especially beyond age 2

  • Difficulty closing the lips to swallow

  • Breathing through mouth always or difficulty breathing through the nose

Myofunctional Therapy

As a speech therapist trained in myofunctional therapy we utilize these strategies to improve speech and eating skills. We also work with local dentists and orthodontists to help correct tongue movements when they are impacting how the teeth are coming in.