Myofunctional
THERAPY
OROFACIAL
What is...
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
A therapeutic modality with the goals of establishing...
1. Nasal Breathing
2. Balance of the Lips/Cheeks at Rest
3. Optimal Tongue Function/Tone/Rest Position
4. Proper Swallowing
When the functions and muscles of the mouth and face are not acting properly during speech, swallow, or at rest, it can cause all sorts of problems from newborns to adults.
Signs of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
Sleep + Breathing
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Noisy Breathing
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Mouth Breathing
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Large Tonsils + Adenoids
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Nightmares
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Bedwetting
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Visible movement of shoulders + upper chest when breathing
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Hyperactivity + Cognitive Problems
Habits
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Thumb Sucking
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Nail Biting
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Tendency to chew on everything
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Nose Picking
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Picking at skin, hair, eyelashes
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Frequent Throat-Clearing
The Nose
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Nasal congestion
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Loud, audible breathing
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Over-breathing/hyperventilation
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Excessive Yawning
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Sniffling
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Frequent runny nose
The Lips
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Open Mouth posture
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Dry/Chapped
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Lip Licking/Biting/Sucking
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Drooling
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Saliva visible at corners of mouth
The Tongue
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Tongue-Tie
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Visible during speech
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Scalloped edges
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Tongue-Thrust
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Difficulties Breastfeeding
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Appears large and in the way...
The Mandible (Lower Jaw)
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Tendency to shift to one side
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Clicking, popping, or noise
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Excessive gum chewing
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Inability to open wide
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Headaches/Facial pain
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Excessive leaning on hands to support posture
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Ear ringing, muffled sound/feeling
