Orofacial
Myofunctional Therapy
We work with you to promote proper muscle function and establish healthy orofacial habits, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for All Ages
At Eat Speak Breathe, a highly trained and compassionate speech-language pathologist, provides Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy services that cater to individuals of all ages, including babies, children, and adults. Our tailored approach focuses on improving speech, swallowing, and overall orofacial health to enhance the quality of life for our clients.
What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized field dedicated to addressing and correcting issues related to the muscles and functions of the face, mouth, and throat. OMT is invaluable for promoting proper tongue posture, swallowing, and breathing, all of which are crucial for a healthy and functional orofacial system.
For Babies: A Strong Start...
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The early years of a child's life are essential for
their orofacial development.
Our OMT services for babies are designed to:
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- Support Breastfeeding: We provide guidance to mothers
and infants to ensure proper latch and swallowing, preventing potential issues.
- Address Early Habits: If your baby has thumb-sucking or tongue-tie issues, we offer gentle techniques to encourage proper oral development.
- Promote Orofacial Health: Our focus is on ensuring that your baby's orofacial muscles develop correctly, setting the stage for lifelong health and well-being.
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Children can face various orofacial challenges
that may affect their speech, feeding skills,
facial development, and overall confidence.
Our OMT services for children aim to:
- Correct Oral Habits: We work with children to address common issues like thumb-sucking, tongue thrust, and mouth breathing, promoting proper orofacial development.
- Enhance Speech: OMT can help children overcome speech challenges and improve articulation, leading to better communication skills.
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- Improve Chewing: By optimizing muscle function and posture, OMT helps in more efficient and comfortable chewing, ensuring that you can savor each bite.
- Enhance Swallowing: Correcting swallowing patterns can reduce the risk of aspiration, choking, and discomfort during meals.
- Support Orthodontic Treatment: If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, OMT can optimize results and prevent relapse.
For Children: Building a
Strong Foundation...
For Adults: A Path to Improved Health
Orofacial challenges in adulthood can affect
speech clarity, dental health, and even sleep
quality.
Our OMT services for adults are designed to:
- Improve Breathing: Addressing improper breathing habits can enhance overall health and well-being.
- Enhance Speech and Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital in personal and professional life. OMT can help you achieve your speech and communication goals.
- Reduce Snoring and Sleep Apnea: OMT techniques can aid in reducing sleep-related issues by improving airway function.
Our Personalized Approach
At Eat Speak Breathe, we recognize that every individual has unique orofacial needs. Our therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify specific issues, followed by a personalized treatment plan. Our approach may include exercises, dietary guidance, and habit elimination techniques, all customized to suit the individual's needs.
Experience the Benefits of
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Discover the life-changing potential of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy at Eat Speak Breathe. Whether you're a parent seeking the best start for your child, or an adult aiming for improved health and confidence, our services can help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more functional orofacial system.
Don't let orofacial issues hold you or your loved ones back. Let Eat Speak Breathe guide you towards better oral health, enhanced speech, and a more fulfilling life.
Assessment:
What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation?
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An Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation is like a health checkup for your mouth and face. It's a friendly, non-invasive evaluation by our specialist to understand how your facial muscles, tongue, and mouth are working together.
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During the assessment, you might be asked to do simple tasks like swallowing, speaking, or showing how you breathe. The specialist will watch how you move your tongue and lips and check if any habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting might be affecting your oral health.
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This assessment helps our specialist identify any issues or habits that might be causing problems with speaking, eating, or even how your face looks. It's the first step in creating a personalized plan to improve your orofacial health and make sure everything is working as it should.
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So, think of it as a friendly visit with an expert who wants to make sure your mouth and face are happy and healthy!
Signs and Symptoms:
Who needs Orofacial Myofunctional therapy?
Signs and Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder in Babies:
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Painful breastfeeding
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Weak latch and/or seal on nipple at breast or bottle
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Underweight / Poor weight gain
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Makes clicking/smacking noise while eating
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Aerophagia; Reflux, spits up a lot; gassy, colic, fussy; hiccups
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Gagging, Choking on milk or popping off nipple to gasp for air
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Fatigue; Falls asleep feeding; wakes often to feed (ev. 1-2 hours)
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Dry lips Cracked lips Blistered lips
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Snoring, Noisy breathing, Congested, Mouth Breathing
Signs and Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder in Children:
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Open Mouth Posture/ Daytime Mouth Breathing
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Hyperactive/Inattentive
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Inappropriate feeding behaviors (gagging, choking, packing, expelling, vomiting, swallowing whole, refusing, grazing, picky)
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Snoring at night / Mouth Open Posture at night
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Speech / Stuttering Difficulties
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Sleep issues: strange positions, restless, wakes tired, enuresis; oral habits
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Prior Removal of Tonsils/Adenoids, PE Tubes/History of Ear Infections; Sinus issues
Signs and Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder in Adults:
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Temporomandibular disorders TMD (pain, clicking, popping)
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Clenching/grinding
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Neck/back tension/pain
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Open Mouth Posture/ Daytime Mouth Breathing
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Hyperactive/Inattentive
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Tension headaches/migraines
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Digestive Issues / GERD
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Snoring at night / Mouth Open Posture at night
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Sleep issues: strange positions, restless, wakes tired, enuresis; oral habits
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Speech / Stuttering Difficulties