Orofacial myofunctional therapy addresses proper tongue and lip rest posture for optimal orofacial development. Therapy includes awareness, behavior modification and re-education of the oral and facial muscles. Treatment is designed with an individualized regimen of exercises to re-pattern oral and facial muscles for chewing and swallowing and techniques to eliminate negative oral habits. Motivati
onal therapy with positive reinforcement is used for the elimination of thumb/finger sucking habits. Signs and Symptoms of Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMDs exhibit a combination of these signs and symptoms.
• Tongue rest posture is forward &/or bi-lateral either interdentally or against the teeth
• Lips often rest apart
• Chewing with the lips open/messy, noisy eater (smacking and gulping) and possible thrusting of the tongue when swallowing
• Lips squeeze together and the chin has a tight appearance like a golf ball during swallowing
• The tongue protrudes between or against the upper/lower front teeth when speaking
Causes of “incorrect tongue rest posture” and swallowing patterns
The following situations increase the likelihood but do not necessarily indicate a problem….
• Thumb/finger sucking habits
• Restricted nasal airway due to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, allergies/asthma or sinusitis – these can promote a habitual open-lip posture
• Structural abnormalities – such as a short lingual frenum (tongue-tied)
• High, narrow arched palate or roof of the mouth
• Hereditary predisposition
• Neurological or developmental abnormalities
Prevalence of OMDs
• Tongue thrusting is present in nearly all newborns
• Tongue thrusting is observed in about 1/2 of the children in first grade
• The prevalence of tongue thrusting decreases gradually and inconsistently
through childhood but is fairly consistent in adolescence and adulthood at the 38% level and an incidence of 81% has been found in children exhibiting speech/articulation problems.
• 80% of OMDs are caused by airway issues, 20% is due to habits such as digit sucking
Scientific studies have shown that treatment for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders can be 80-90% effective in achieving appropriate tongue and lip resting postures and habituating a correct swallowing pattern. A qualified orofacial myofunctional therapist works in a team approach with speech therapist and dental professionals including orthodontists and dental professionals, as well as ENT’s, allergists and other health care professionals. Marge Foran, BA, RDH, COM
IAOM Certified Orofacial Myologist
(I do not provide any dental services or speech therapy)
