Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial Myofunction Therapy (OMT), is a therapeutic approach that provides neuromuscular re-education to the muscles of the orofacial complex to promote proper oral rest posture, nasal breathing, adequate lip closure, proper tongue resting posture, and healthy swallowing patterns.

Dysfunction and imbalance of the orofacial muscles can negatively impact breastfeeding, sleep, facial growth, and esthetics, stability, and orthodontic treatment

Signs & Symptoms

Audible breathing
Open mouth posture during the day and during sleep
Grinding teeth
Bedwetting past the age of five.
Persistent sinus congestion
Allergies
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
Tongue falling into airway
Poor nursing
Poor transition to solid foods
Picky eating/ food preferences
Difficulties with open cup or straw
Forward tongue posture(thrusting)
Speech errors
Drooling past the age of 2 years old
Pacifier use or sucking of fingers past the age of 12 months.
Forward head posture
Poor oral hygiene
Crowded or crooked teeth
Tongue and lip ties

Evaluation Process

A speech-language pathologist with OMD training can assess the orofacial structures (lips, cheek, teeth, jaw, and tongue) and their function. This is done by evaluating the child's posture, breathing, mouth, tongue, lip, swallow and speech functions The speech-language pathologist may recommend the child see an allergy doctor, ENT, body work specialist, or occupational therapist.

Goals of OMT

Facilitate a complete lip seal with teeth slightly apart

Establish proper tongue resting posture on the roof of the mouth (palate)

Optimize healthy chewing and swallowing patterns

Eliminate noxious oral habits such as thumb and finger sucking

Restore nasal breathing

Eliminate Sleep Disordered Breathing