The human body is a complex creature, and to keep it working at its best the body needs to maintain its balance. When we are out of balance, problems can occur. Oral Myofunctional Disorder is what happens when this relationship doesn’t work properly, and we use Myofunctional Therapy to correct it!
Several factors can contribute to improper swallowing such as:
Tongue Thrusting
When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. This is commonly called tongue thrust. Constant pressure (or thrusting) of the tongue away from the hard palate pushes teeth out of place. That pressure may later prevent teeth from erupting (breaking through the gum). Tongue thrust can also lead to an abnormal bite — the improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth known as a malocclusion. This problem can lead to difficulties in biting, chewing and digesting food.
Cosmetic Problems
Often the most obvious symptom of incorrect swallowing involves the muscles of the face. A dull, sluggish appearance and full, weak lips develop when muscles aren’t operating normally. Constantly parted lips (or mouth breathing) also signal this disorder. A person swallowing incorrectly will often purse and tighten the muscles of the cheeks, chin and lips — a symptom known as a facial grimace. This can give the chin a knobby appearance, known as a chin button.
Speech Problems
A person with abnormal swallowing symptoms may suffer a lisp or have difficulty articulating sounds. If muscles in the tongue and lips are imbalanced, that can prevent a person from forming sounds of normal speech.
Who can fix it?
Three types of professionals are trained and qualified as myofuntional therapist/ orofacial mycologist. Dental hygienists, speech pathologists, and/or physical therapists are most often associated with orofacial therapy. We are fortunate enough to have a trained therapist here in our office and can put a plan in place to get your child on the right track!
It is important to know that orthodontics treatment often accompanies orofacial therapy. If incorrect swallowing or tongue thrust have created a malocclusion, learning proper swallowing techniques may prevent further damage. Careful diagnosis and special orthodontic appliances or braces will be needed to reposition dental problems that have already occurred.
Orofacial therapy has provided a dramatic and positive influence on patients treated. With orofacial therapy, a patient can regain the joy of eating and speaking, and enjoy cosmetic improvements that help restore confidence and self-esteem. Those kinds of results make therapy that’s easy to swallow!
