What is Myo?

---

"Orofacial Myology is the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing and overall mental and physical health." (Sandra Holtzman MS,CCC,SLP,COM)

In therapy sessions we will be re-educating the orofacial muscles using specific techniques over a period of time to assist in the proper function, growth an development.  

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders refer to abnormal resting of the labial- lingual posture of the orofacial musculature, atypical chewing and swallowing patterns, dental malocclusions, blocked nasal airways and speech problems.  OMD's are patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interferes with normal growth, development or function of the orofacial structures.  OMD's can be found in both children and adults and can occur across the lifespan.

(Hansen 1982)

Typically there are multiple contributing factors that can cause orofacial myofunctional disorders such as:

• Structural of physical abnormalities such as a short lingual frenum
• Improper oral habits, such as a thumb or finger sucking, teeth grinding/clenching, tongue thrusting/sucking and nail biting
• Restricted nasal airway due to a deviated septum, enlarges tonsils/adenoids and or allergies, all leading to mouth breathing, possibly snoring/sleep apnea and incorrect oral posture
• Neurological and developmental abnormalities

• Speech sound errors
• Persistent open mouth posture
• Tongue resting low and forward in the oral cavity, sometimes protruding through the anterior incisors
• Dental malocclusions including, underbite, open bite and overjet
• Tongue thrust: when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during speech or swallowing