What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized type of therapy that focuses on the muscles of the face and mouth, helping to improve the function and coordination of the oral and facial muscles. It involves exercises designed to correct poor oral habits, improve muscle tone, and address any imbalances in the muscles of the face and mouth, such as the tongue, lips, and jaw.

Those with an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) may have difficulty with one or more of the following:

• Tongue thrusting: Where the tongue protrudes between the teeth, often affecting speech and swallowing. 
• Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, which can lead to dry mouth, dental issues, or even changes in facial structure over time. Improper posture of the tongue and lips can also affect overall facial muscle function and lead to mouth breathing.
• Jaw alignment issues: Misalignments that might cause problems with chewing, speaking, or even lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Speech and swallowing issues: Speech sound or swallowing difficulties can be linked to improper muscle function. Correct swallowing and articulation depend on the proper relationship between the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat.

What does OMT therapy target?

• Appropriate nasal and diaphragmic breathing
• Proper resting posture of the tongue, lips, & jaw
• Tongue-jaw stability and dissociation
• Establishing appropriate mature swallow pattern (i.e., eliminating tongue thrust) and rotary chewing skills
• Structured pre- and post-frenuloplasty therapy to increase positive outcomes following a tongue tie release
•  Eliminating noxious oral habits (e.g., thumb sucking)

If you are concerned about whether you or your child may have an OMD, please reach out to Parkwood Clinic if you have further questions or would like to schedule an evaluation!