Gabby Goytia, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
Could you benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
The Four Goals of Myofunctional Therapy
- Nasal breathing day and night
- Lips sealed day and night
- Correct tongue posture- tongue to roof of mouth "The Spot"
- Correct chewing and swallowing
These goals are to be achieved without compensations. If these goals feel "foreign" to you or if your tongue is not making contact with the three circles you see in the photo, you may have a myofunctional disorder and could benefit from Myofunctional Therapy.
What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders or OMDs
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) refer to abnormal patterns involving the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat that interfere with normal functions such as breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
These disorders often result from improper oral habits (like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use), tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), airway issues (such as chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils), or structural imbalances in the jaw and facial muscles.
Common OMDs include tongue thrust (an improper swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth), open-mouth posture, and difficulty achieving proper lip and tongue positioning at rest.
OMDs can contribute to dental misalignment, speech challenges, sleep-disordered breathing, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Early identification and intervention through orofacial myofunctional therapy can not only help retrain the muscles to function optimally, improving overall oral health and wellness but early intervention is especially crucial during childhood when the facial bones are still developing.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy helps with conditions such as:
- Encouraging nasal breathing for better oxygen intake and overall health.
- Correcting improper tongue posture that can affect swallowing and speech.
- Supporting airway function, which may help with snoring or mild sleep apnea.
- Assisting in maintaining orthodontic results by stabilizing the muscles of the mouth.
- Reducing strain on the jaw joint by improving muscle coordination.
- Increased energy and alertness
- Reduced clenching/grinding
- Increasing tone and mobility of oral structures
- Establishing symmetry to the face
OMT is beneficial for people of all ages, from children with developmental concerns to adults dealing with airway issues, speech problems, or jaw pain. It’s often used alongside dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, ENTs, and other healthcare professionals for a holistic approach to treatment.