What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an individualized program of exercises & stretches that strengthen and retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, & jaw. When the muscles of the orofacial complex form dysfunctional patterns, muscular compensations are made which can create numerous problems. These atypical patterns are called Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs).
Read below to learn more about what we treat here at Gulf South Myofunctional Therapy!
What do we treat at GSMT?
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Tongue-ties
A restricted tongue may affect oral function, but symptoms have many possible causes. A functional evaluation helps determine what may be relevant for you or your child.
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Tongue Thrust
Establishing correct resting tongue posture & correct swallow patterns reduces the risk for mouth breathing, dental problems, TMJ dysfunction, & overall health problems.
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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.
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Cheek, Lip, & Nail Biting
Abnormal biting habits can cause painful strain on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), as well as abnormal dental wear.
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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.
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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.