Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an individualized program of exercises & stretches that retrain the muscles of the lips, tongue, & face. When the muscles of the orofacial complex form atypical patterns, compensations are made which can create numerous problems. These atypical patterns are called Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs).
Click “The Gulf Coast Mom” link below to read our featured article about Myofunctional Therapy & how it is changing lives in south Mississippi.
Read below to learn more about what we treat here at Gulf South Myofunctional Therapy!
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
What do we treat at GSMT?
-
Restricted Oral Tissues
Tongue ties often cause abnormal facial muscle patterns. Airway obstruction, speech issues, abnormal facial growth, & behavioral concerns are only a few of the issues caused by OMDs.
-
Tongue Thrust
Establishing correct resting tongue posture & correct swallow patterns reduces the risk for mouth breathing, dental problems, TMJ dysfunction, & overall health problems.
-
Open mouth breathing
Mouth breathing is often the first sign of an airway obstruction, increasing the risk for Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). SDB symptoms occurring before age 5 are associated with a 40% greater chance of special education needs by age 8.
-
Cheek, Lip, & Nail Biting
Abnormal biting habits can cause painful strain on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), as well as abnormal dental wear.
-
Thumb, Finger, & Pacifier Habits
Prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits are shown to contribute to abnormal dental development & facial bone growth, in addition to causing speech articulation issues.
-
Speech Articulation
Speech sound disorders are associated with oral & facial muscular dysfunction. By strengthening & retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, & cheeks, speech articulation often improves.