Breena
Hayman, Inc.
Speech & Language
Myofunctional Therapy
and Evaluations

 

What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) or "Tongue Thrust"?

 

A "tongue thrust" has been defined as improper placement of the tongue during the act of swallowing.  When swallowing, or at rest, the tongue thrusts in between, forward, or sideways against the teeth, rather than lifting up to the palate (roof of mouth).  A tongue thrust is also referred as an "incorrect resting posture and swallowing pattern" and is the most common orofacial disorder.   An orofacial myology disorder involves incorrect patterns of muscle function and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips and jaw.  

 

The treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders and noxious habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, pacifier sucking elimination, incorrect resting tongue and lip posture, and incorrect swallowing pattern (tongue thrust). OMD's affect all ages and can have a different impact on an individual's quality of life based on the severity. Examples of untreated OMDs symptoms include:​

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• Headaches                                                                                         

• TMJ pain or jaw locking/popping

• Prolonged Oral habits (Thumb sucking, pacifier, etc.)                 

• Feeding difficulties

• Poor speech                                                                                       

• Mouth always open

• Drooling                                                                                             

• Chapped lips

• Crooked teeth                                                                                     

• Long facial growth

• Recessed chin                                                                                     

• Heart-shaped tongue

• Enlarged tonsils                                                                               

• Difficulty nasal breathing

• Dark circles under eyes                                                                     

• Difficulty swallowing

• Teeth grinding                                                                                   

• Bedwetting

• Frequent Ear Infections                                                                     

• Digestive Issues

• Depression/Anxiety                                                                           

• Fatigue

• Daytime Drowsiness                                                                         

• ADD/ADHD

• Teeth Clenching                                                                                 

• Relapse of Orthodontic Treatment

• Poor Sleep

• Snoring​

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If the muscles of the tongue, cheek and lips appear to be contributing to a dental malocclusion or articulation deficit, this is a reason for concern.

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Myofunctional therapy programs are designed to retrain patterns of muscle function in chewing, swallowing and resting posture of the tongue, lips and facial muscles.

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Programs generally require at least 12-16 weeks of dedication to attending regular therapy sessions and practicing daily.  Once the program is complete, a routine is established to achieve habituation of the new muscle patterns.

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What Happens During an Evaluation?

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Patients complete intake information online prior to arriving for the evaluation through the link emailed to you. Evaluations typically last 1 and a half hours and will provide an in-depth functional assessment of breathing, oral rest posture, chewing and swallowing patterns, and speech. This evaluation typically includes a review of health history and symptoms, photo documentation, measurements, orofacial movement tasks, and observations.  Referrals and recommendations will then be made as appropriate.