About
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized approach that focuses on identifying and treating disorders of the muscles and functions of the face, mouth, and tongue. These issues can impact a range of areas, including speech, chewing, swallowing, sleep, breathing, and overall oral health.
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) might present as:
Tongue thrusting or difficulty achieving proper tongue rest posture.
Challenges with feeding, such as difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Open mouth breathing or poor lip closure.
Poor sleep, leading to inattention and behavior difficulties.
Speech sound errors caused by improper oral muscle function.
In OMT, we:
Assess the underlying causes of the OMD, such as tethered oral tissues (e.g., tongue-tie) or habits like thumb sucking.
Create individualized therapy plans to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face.
Use targeted exercises to promote proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and balanced oral function.
Collaborate with other professionals, such as orthodontists, dentists, and ENT specialists, to ensure comprehensive care.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is beneficial for children experiencing speech delays, feeding challenges, or other concerns related to oral function. By addressing these foundational issues, OMT can improve speech clarity, breathing, sleep, and overall quality of life.