What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) stem from improper use of facial muscles, including the tongue, and can impact various aspects of oral function and overall health. Individuals with OMDs may experience difficulties with breastfeeding, chewing, swallowing, speech, facial growth, and dental occlusion, often leading to mouth breathing and maladaptive habits.

OMDs can manifest in facial esthetics, sleep-disordered breathing, nasal obstruction, head and neck tension, teeth clenching/grinding (bruxism), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions, and swallowing/speech issues. Myofunctional therapy, a series of tailored physical therapy exercises, aims to address these dysfunctions by correcting improper tongue and facial muscle function. 

Through myofunctional therapy, patients can improve tongue tone, engage proper muscles for swallowing, achieve lip seal, and enhance speech. This results in improved breathing, reduced pain, and an overall enhanced quality of life. Dr. Erica Sok and Keagan Davenport, RDH are highly trained professionals who specialize in screening, diagnosing, and creating personalized exercise plans for patients with OMDs.

For more information on myofunctional therapy and its benefits, visit: https://aomtinfo.org/myofunctional-therapy/