Orofacial
Myology

As shown in the graphic above, orofacial myology is the study of the muscles of the mouth and face and HOW they rest and function.

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What is an Orofacial Myologist?

Orofacial Myologists (or myofunctional therapists) treat what are known as Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders or OMDs

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Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

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Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are compensations we have adopted due to some kind of disruption within the development of the face, airway, and eruption of the teeth. These may include:

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• Thumb and finger sucking habits

• A habit of resting with the lips apart

• Mouth breathing due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids or other condition

• The tongue resting forward and low between or against the teeth

• Tongue Thrust

• Airway problems

• Allergies

• Other harmful oral habits

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Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are often related to or can contribute to: 

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• Low tongue resting posture or Tongue Thrust

• Disruptions in eruption and development of the teeth

• Problems with speech and language development, especially speech articulation

• Feeding problems or picky eating

• Gagging

• Abnormal facial growth and development including long, narrow faces

• Improper development of sinuses, nasal passages, and the airway

• Orthodontic relapse

• Ear infections

• Poor sleep/snoring

• MOUTH OPEN BREATHING

• Sleep apnea ~ Lack of oxygen to the brain!