Treating Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Welcome to AboutFace OMT!
I specialize in evaluations, diagnosis, and personalized therapy plans for orofacial myofunctional disorders. I offer individualized treatment and collaborate with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for my clients. Contact me online to schedule your free phone consultation.
What is Orofacial Myology?
Orofacial Myology
Orofacial Myology is the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health. This therapy is provided by an Orofacial Myologist. Training in Orofacial Myology is limited to individuals in the professional fields of dentistry, dental hygiene and speech and language pathology. The scope of practice in these fields gives these individuals the ability to recognize Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders.
What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are abnormal movements and functioning of the lips, tongue or jaw during activities such as speech, swallowing or when at rest. They can affect facial growth and development, breastfeeding, speech, health of the teeth and gums, chewing, swallowing, tempromandibular joint movement and more. OMDs tend to begin with mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing. This practice can lead to detrimental adaptation of the muscles of the mouth and face.
Could you have an OMD?
*Do you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose?
*Do you have problems with speech?
*Do you have oral habits such as thumb/finger sucking or nail biting?
*Do you snore or have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
*Do you have pain/discomfort in your tempromandibular joint(TMJ)?
*Do you have problems swallowing or closing your lips when you swallow?
*Are you a messy eater, do you have a problem with drooling?
*Is your tongue limited in it's movement?
*Do you have periodontal disease?
Treatment of OMDs
?
How are OMDs Treated?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders come in all shapes and sizes and are as unique as the people who present with them. A Registered Dental Hygienist or a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who has been trained in Orofacial Myology will be able to help you treat an OMD. Your orofacial myologist will fully evaluate your orofacial complex which is made up of the muscles of the lips, tongue, jaw, soft palate and larynx. The function of these muscles individually, and as a whole, is assessed and then an individualized program of exercises, stretches and muscle work is put together to fit the individual's needs. Breaking the habits and re-training muscle memory is difficult, but it can be accomplished if the individual is motivated and committed to their therapy program.
?
Who Can Treat OMDs?
A Certified Orofacial Myologist is the only person trained to treat these conditions. You will want to find a professional who has completed the necessary coursework and has a certification specific to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. Your Orofacial Myoolgist (also referred to as a Myofunctional Therapist) will be someone who has received a degree in the healthcare field and as then gone on to be certified in Orofacial Myology.
I began my studies of Orofacial Myology in 2013 and received my certification in Orofacial Myology in 2019 through Neo-Health Services. I have been a clinically practicing dental hygienist for over 20 years and received my Dental Hygiene Degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
?
Children
The craniofacial skeleton grows very quickly in childhood. This is the part of the skeleton that will support the upper airway. By 4 years of age, 60% of the adult face is formed. By the early teen years 90% is developed. The American Orthodontic Society recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist for early intervention by the age of 7. But by 7, there may be detrimental habits that have already formed. Children should be evaluated as early as 4 years of age, and sometimes earlier if there are issues that are keeping them from sleeping well, eating, drinking or speaking. Sippy cups and pacifiers also interfere with proper development of the orofacial complex. We can begin to work with children at a young age to habituate good orofacial habits such as breathing through the nose, keeping the lips closed and having the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth.
