Oral Myofunctional Therapy in Richmond, VA
What Is Oral Myofunctional Therapy?
Oral Myofunctional Therapy (or Orofacial Myology) addresses problems with the structure and the function of the oral mechanism. This includes the muscles of the face, mouth, and jaw. A disruption in this function can cause abnormal resting mouth posture, disordered breathing, airway issues, speech problems, and difficulty sucking (especially in infants), chewing, and swallowing.
Some issues that may contribute to Oral Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) include Tethered Oral Tissues (tongue or lip tie), high or narrow palate, mouth breathing, thumb sucking or other potentially harmful oral habits, and enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
OMD Assessments in Richmond, VA
Assessment of OMD in children will include evaluation of speech production as well as chewing and swallowing a variety of textures of food. We start with an interview to obtain a complete history and description of the problem.
Measurements of oral function including lip strength and ability to move the tongue independently of the lips and jaw are assessed. Chewing patterns and movement of lips, tongue, jaw, and head during eating and swallowing are identified. Breathing and postural issues at rest and during eating are observed. Negative oral habits such as thumb-sucking will be identified.
Oral Myofunctional Treatment
Treatment will start by addressing weaknesses in lips and tongue. If necessary, a program for elimination of oral habits will be initiated. Exercises will set the child up for success with learning and maintaining a normal resting mouth posture as well as nasal breathing which is essential to healthy oral posture. An inability to breathe through the nose may signal a separate issue and appropriate referrals will be made in that case. After the oral structures have gained strength and the child is able to move the tongue independently of the lips and jaw, we will use the child’s new oral skills to train proper chewing and swallowing techniques. This will allow for thorough chewing and swallowing without recruitment of extraneous muscles or head when swallowing. The final phase of the program enables the child to carry over newly learned skills into everyday life with greater independence.
Adult Myofunctional Therapy in Virginia
Adults with OMD will be given a thorough orofacial myology evaluation. Discussion of history and symptoms is completed, along with individual concerns and goals.
Measurement of lip and tongue strength and function as well as speech and chewing/swallowing patterns are completed. Disturbances in breathing will require appropriate referral to check for obstruction which may prevent a normal resting tongue posture.
Treatment includes:
- Completion of a structured orofacial myology program to strengthen and improve function of the lips, tongue, and face.
- Resting tongue posture and nasal breathing training to reinforce positive routine habits.
- Chewing and swallowing skills will be addressed to minimize the presence of residual food particles in the mouth during and after swallowing, reducing the need to use liquid to rinse the food from teeth, cheeks, and tongue.
Follow-Up Myofunctional Therapy Visits
Follow-up therapy visits will focus on improving function of oral structures for optimal speech, feeding and breathing ability. This is completed through three phases. The initial phase strengthens lips and tongue, allowing for proper resting mouth posture and training the structures to function independently of the jaw.
The second phase trains function that incorporates correct tongue posture and breathing into proper chewing and swallowing patterns, and the final phase ensures carry over into environments outside of therapy sessions.
Complete and Thorough Evaluations
If you suspect that you or your child would benefit from oral myofunctional therapy, please call for a free phone consultation. After discussing the symptoms, we will determine whether a complete evaluation is right for you.
The evaluation includes an interview to obtain a complete history and description of the problem, evaluations can take up to two hours to complete. We discuss your concerns and goals. We assess resting mouth posture, breathing patterns, and oral function for speech and eating a variety of foods. The evaluation includes assessment of the presence of a tongue tie or lip tie and whether it is affecting function. If so, appropriate referrals will be made.
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