What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), also commonly referred to as Myofunctional Therapy is an exercise-based treatment used to treat Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). Think of it as physical therapy for the oral and facial muscles including the mouth, face, lips and tongue. Myofunctional disorders may include: a low tongue posture, tongue or lip tie, mouth breathing, snoring, atypical swallowing pattern, atypical chewing patterns, lips apart at rest or oral habits.
The series of exercises work on a neuromuscular level too retrain and strengthen the oral and facial muscles to achieve a normal rest posture of the tongue, lips, and jaw. By strengthening weak muscles, learning proper function and making behaviour modifications, improvements can be be seen through breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is appropriate for young children and all ages of adults. In many cases, when an orofacial myofunctional disorder is present there are numerous symptoms and concerns associated. Many of the concerns that patients will present with are pieces of a bigger puzzle and myofunctional therapy to address one issue, will often solve more than one concern.
Myofunctional Therapy helps to address the root causes of problems, not just the symptoms.
The interaction between facial growth and muscle activity starts early on in our development and the functions of suction, chewing, swallowing, and nasal breathing in infancy plays an important role in growth patterns.
• In children, this therapy helps to promote healthy habits for life. Poor functional patterns such as low tongue posture and tongue thrusts, open mouth breathing, bottle feeding, sucking habits, sippy cups and restricted tongue ties, lack of chewing or low muscle tone all restrict facial growth and development. Early treatment can prevent numerous health concerns later in life.
• In adults, years of poor habits, dysfunction and compensations can contribute to numerous other health concerns. A mouth breathing habit can be a consequence of having a low tone tongue, or a restriction in the tongue with other symptoms associated. Those suffering with TMD and/or TMJ jaw muscle pain, head and neck aches and even those with sleep apnea, could all be rooted to an OMD. Not only does myofunctional therapy address OMDs, but it often reduces or resolves many other underlying health concerns.
4 Goals of Therapy
Nasal Breathing
We are all meant to breathe through our nose. It filters, warms and adds moisture to the air before it enters the lungs. Nitric oxide is also released into the body when we breathe through the nose. This important molecule is important for cardiovascular health and allows our body to use 18% more oxygen.
Proper Tongue Posture
The tongue is meant to rest and fill the entire roof of the mouth. When is does, it provides internal support and guidance for the upper jaw development. If your tongue is in the right place, jaws grow wider, teeth will grow in straighter and your face will develop properly. The tongue plays an amazing role in facial appearance at any age!
Lip Seal
Our lips should rest naturally and comfortably together. If our lips are not sealed we cannot adequately breathe through the nose and the tongue may not be able to fill the roof of the mouth. When our lips are sealed the risk for tooth decay and gum disease is lowered and you sleep better at night.
Correct Swallow Pattern
If your tongue pushes forward, or against the sides of the teeth when you swallow, you have a tongue thrust swallow pattern. This pattern could cause you to swallow small amounts of air when eating and drinking, which could result in digestive issues such as acid reflux, stomach pain, gas and/or bloating. It can also be a significant factor in orthodontic relapse.