Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on training the mouth and facial muscles to improve breathing, eating, and swallowing, among other necessary functions. This beneficial service may be challenging to find in your local area. Virtual therapy providers like Marvel Myo & Speech can bring these innovative treatments to your home via telehealth.
This blog explores the benefits of virtual myofunctional therapy for children and adults and shares how this method supports vital daily activities.
About Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial myofunctional therapy, or OMT, is a noninvasive method for strengthening oral and facial muscles while increasing patients' awareness of facial movements. A myofunctional therapist guides patients aged four and up in a series of gentle exercises that provide greater coordination, mobility, and strength.
Benefits of Virtual Myofunctional Therapy
- Convenience of receiving telehealth treatment, with no lengthy trips to see a provider
- Therapy is accessible to individuals throughout the United States
- Children and individuals with special needs often feel more comfortable and relaxed in a home environment
Conditions Helped by Virtual Myofunctional Therapy
- Feeding issues in patients of all ages
- Mouth breathing
- Open mouth posture
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
- Tongue thrust
- Bruxism (habitual teeth clenching and grinding)
- Recovery from jaw or frenectomy (tongue tie) surgeries
How Virtual Myofunctional Therapy Works
After a healthcare provider refers you or your child to oral myofunctional therapy, you may have challenges finding a local provider. Fortunately, Marvel Myo & Speech can treat patients in any U.S. state via telehealth.
During your first appointment, your clinician will evaluate your oral and facial function and recommend a course of treatment. Depending on your challenges, your clinician will choose appropriate exercises that strengthen and stretch your oral and facial muscles. As you follow the program, you will notice symptom improvements.
Exercises may include:
- Tongue training via push-ups, clicking, holding, and rolling
- Holding objects stable between the lips
- Chewing practice
- Singing
- Balloon inflation
- Nasal breathing guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy
How do I know whether my child needs myofunctional therapy?
Most patients needing services receive referrals from physicians, dentists, orthodontists, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Parents may also note the presence of issues like mouth breathing, difficulty feeding, or tongue thrusting.
What are the problems associated with mouth breathing?
Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but it can lead to multiple consequences for your child's oral and overall health. For example, patients who breathe through their mouths or have an open-mouthed resting position typically experience bad breath, dry mouth, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
At Marvel Myo & Speech, we strive to help our clients regain full oral and facial function while supporting their health and safety. If you or your child exhibits these symptoms, please contact us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you!
Many children and adults exhibit signs of orofacial myofunctional disorders. These issues include speech, language, chewing, breathing, and swallowing. This blog describes the top 5 signs your child may need orofacial myofunctional therapy.
5 Signs Your Child May Need Myofunctional Therapy
1. Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is a common sign that children may need myofunctional therapy. Children may breathe through their mouths or keep their mouths open at rest during the day or at night. These issues could lead to snoring, dry mouth, and worsening oral health.
2. Difficulty With Nasal Breathing
Children needing myofunctional therapy often have challenges breathing through their noses.
3. Tongue Thrust
When the tongue thrusts through the front teeth, even when it is not in use, this could indicate an issue that needs attention. Tongue thrust could disrupt a child's oral development and lead to malocclusion (crooked teeth) and other challenges.
4. Chewing or Eating Challenges
Children who need this type of therapy are often messier eaters than expected compared to children the same age. They may have issues with adequately chewing food or keeping it in their mouths. They may also have trouble opening and closing their mouths and difficulty swallowing.
5. Persistent Oral Habits
Children in need of myofunctional therapy often have oral habits like tongue thrusting, thumb- or finger-sucking, and pacifier use that continue past the expected age when most children stop practicing them.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises that train and strengthen the muscles controlling swallowing, eating, chewing, and breathing, among other functions.
Some of these beneficial exercises include:
- Singing
- Breathing exercises
- Playing a whistle or recorder
- Tongue and lip training movements
Myofunctional therapy can help patients from toddlers to adults, including those dealing with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and obstructive sleep apnea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy
What causes myofunctional disorders?
Myofunctional disorders can stem from a number of issues:
- Blocked nasal passages due to chronic allergies or tonsil shape and size
- Facial and oral anatomy that allows the tongue to be misplaced while resting
- Jaw formation issues
- Childhood oral habits (pacifier use or thumb-sucking) after 3 years of age
Can my child achieve regular oral and facial function after this therapy?
Many children experience relief from their symptoms after a successful course of myofunctional therapy, plus a physician's or dentist's care. Our myofunctional therapist works closely with other professionals, such as dentists and oral surgeons, to combat symptoms in different ways.
At MarvelMyo & Speech, we offer online evaluations and therapy for patients of all ages. We specialize in helping children improve their oral and facial function. If you notice that your child has any of the symptoms described above, don't wait to find appropriate care. Please contact us to schedule your consultation today.
As a speech and orofacial myofunctional therapist working with patients ages 5+, I often get the question: “At what age is speech fully developed?” This question often comes from curious or concerned parents who are unsure if their child is on the right track with their speech development.
Although this question is quite common, the answer is a bit more complex. In this post, we’re going to discuss some of the development processes of speech development and factors that can influence it.
The Basics of Speech Development
When a child is developing their speech, it is important to mention that it is what I would call a progressive journey. This journey begin in early infancy and continues into early childhood. There is a specific amount of balance and coordination that must be learned by the mouth, face, respiratory system, as well as cognitive functions that come into play.
While speech development and the duration of this development can vary from child to child, there are general milestones that we can go by to help determine if a child is on the right track.
Infancy to Toddlerhood: The Foundation
As mentioned before, speech development starts from infancy. From birth two about two years old, there are critical changes that occur within kids that are foundational for their speech development. During their first few months of life, infants can only communicate through crying and cooing, helping to develop their vocal cords and breathing muscles.
By six months of age, babies usually begin to babble. Babbling is probably familiar to most with the baby making sounds such as “ba-ba” or “da-da.”
By the time a child is one, they will typically start to say their first words. These are typically very simple words such as “mama” and “dada” based on their environment. By eighteen months, children have expanded their vocabulary to around 50 words and start combining two words together like “milk please” or “big truck.”
Preschool Years: Rapid Expansion
Between ages two and five, kid’s speech and language skills accelerate significantly. By the age of three, children can usually speak a full sentence and have expanded their vocabulary to around 1,000 words. They begin to grasp grammar rules, like plurals and past tense. Children are also able to ask questions and follow simple instructions.
By age four, most children can tell stories, engage in conversations, and understand more difficult instructions.. Their speech is about 90-100% understandable to unfamiliar listeners by age five.
Early School Years: Refining Skills
From ages five to seven, children continue to improve their speech and language skills. They learn to articulate more complex sounds, such as "r," "s," "l," and "th." Their vocabulary further expands, and they are able to formulate more difficulty sentences.
By age seven, most children now have the speech sounds necessary for clear communication with both familiar and unfamiliar individuals. However, it's important to mention that some kids may still struggle with minor speech articulation issues, but these issues usually resolve by the age of eight. This is also a time where children are able to understand jokes, making conversation even more enjoyable for them and those surrounding them.
Full Speech Development: The Age of Mastery
While children master various speech milestones by the age of seven or eight, the process of fully mastering speech continues into late childhood and early adolescence. By the age of 12, most children have developed the speech and language skills they will use throughout their entire lives.
During their pre-teens, children further refine their communication skills, learning to use language more effectively in various social contexts. They learn to adapt their speech based on the social context factors, helping them to navigate effective communication in adulthood.
Factors Influencing Speech Development
It's important to know that speech development can be influenced by many different factors, including genetics, the child’s environment, and simple individual differences. Some children may experience delays due to hearing impairments, developmental disorders, or limited exposure to language-rich environments.
As a speech and myofunctional therapist, I work with children 5+ who have speech and language delays in my practice. The earlier these children can be scene by a knowledgable professional, the more positive the outcomes long term.
Adult Speech Therapy: Continued Growth
While the focus of speech development is often on children, adults can also benefit from speech therapy. Some adults seek therapy to address long-standing speech issues that were not resolved in childhood, such as stuttering or articulation challenges. Others may need help with speech challenges due to neurological conditions, injuries, or surgeries.
Traditional speech there is what most individuals think of when working on speech and language skills. There is another specialty, called orofacial myofunctional therapy, that can also assist with improving speech function, clarity, and communication skills by addressing the muscles of the face, mouth, cheeks, tongue, etc.
Learn more about us here at MarvelMyo and our myofunctional therapy services in the blog post here.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers of children play a critical role in supporting their child’s speech development. Communicating with your child regularly, reading to them, and having conversations with them are all necessary to help a child’s speech develop adequately. Ensure that you are encouraging the child to express themselves regularly, demonstrate active listening, and model correct speech patterns for them
If you or another parent has noted any concerns regard a child’s speech development, I highly encourage you to seek advice from a speech therapist. As mentioned beforehand, the earlier someone seeks the better for long term positive outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the foundation for speech development is typically set by the age of seven or eight, progression toward further speech development continues into the pre-teen years. It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and their speech will develop in a variety of ways over time.
Whether you are a concerned parent of a child or an adult looking to improve your speech and language skills, consider reaching out to a speech therapist like us here at MarvelMyo & Speech. We can provide the guidance and support you need to make positive changes.
If you’re ready to get started with us, book your first appointment at the link here. Or follow us on Instagram @marvelmyospeech to stay up to date with all of our latest content and free info!
As an orofacial myofunctional therapist and speech therapist, I often get asked, "Can adults fix tongue thrust?" The answer is a resounding yes! With the right guidance and consistent practice, adults can definitely correct a tongue thrust. But first, let’s dive into what tongue thrust is and why it's important to address it.
What is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), occurs when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth while swallowing or at rest. This habit often develops in childhood, but if not corrected, it can persist into adulthood. Many people aren't even aware they have it until it starts causing issues, like speech problems, dental issues, or difficulties with swallowing.
Why is Tongue Thrust a Problem?
Tongue thrust can cause several problems if left untreated. Here are a few common issues:
Dental Problems: The constant pressure of the tongue against the teeth can lead to misalignment, such as an open bite or gaps between teeth. This can require orthodontic treatment to correct.
Speech Issues: Tongue thrust can interfere with proper speech production. Sounds like "s" and "z" might come out as a lisp.
Swallowing Difficulties: An incorrect swallowing pattern can cause digestive issues or discomfort when eating.
Can Adults Really Fix It?
Absolutely! It's a common myth that tongue thrust can only be corrected in children. While it's true that earlier intervention can be easier, myofunctional therapy for adults has successfully corrected tongue thrust in many individuals.
How to Fix Tongue Thrust
Correcting tongue thrust involves retraining the muscles of the mouth and developing new habits for resting and swallowing. Here are some steps that might be involved in your therapy:
Assessment: The first step is to get a proper assessment from a trained professional like an orofacial myofunctional therapist or a speech therapist. They will evaluate your tongue position, swallowing pattern, and any related issues.
Exercises: You'll be given specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around your mouth and retrain your tongue. Here are a few examples:
Lip Exercises: These help to strengthen the muscles around your mouth. For example, holding a button between your lips (not teeth) with a string attached and pulling gently.
Tongue Exercises: These help to train your tongue to stay in the correct position. For example, practicing holding your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth.
Swallowing Techniques: You'll learn how to swallow correctly without pushing your tongue against your teeth. This often involves practicing with small sips of water and focusing on the movement of your tongue.
Habit Training: Changing long-standing habits can be challenging, but with consistent practice, it’s possible. You'll work on keeping your tongue in the correct position at rest, which is usually up against the roof of your mouth.
Consistency is Key
One of the most important things to remember is that consistency is crucial. Just like any other form of therapy, the exercises and techniques need to be practiced regularly. Your therapist will likely recommend daily exercises and follow-up visits to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
How Long Does It Take?
The duration of treatment can vary from person to person. Some adults may see significant improvement in a few months, while others might take longer. Factors like the severity of the tongue thrust, how long it has been a habit, and how diligently you practice the exercises all play a role in the timeline.
The Role of Professional Guidance
While there are exercises and techniques you can try on your own, the guidance of a professional is invaluable. A trained orofacial myofunctional therapist or speech therapist can provide personalized exercises, monitor your progress, and make adjustments to ensure you're on the right track. They can also offer support and encouragement, which can be crucial in maintaining motivation.
In Conclusion
Yes, adults can fix tongue thrust! With the right assessment, targeted exercises, and consistent practice, it's entirely possible to retrain your tongue and improve your oral functions. If you suspect you have tongue thrust, or if you’re experiencing related issues, consider reaching out to an orofacial myofunctional therapist or speech therapist like us here at MarvelMyo & Speech. We can provide the guidance and support you need to make positive changes.
Remember, it’s never too late to take control of your oral health and make improvements. With determination and the right help, you can achieve great results and improve your quality of life. So, take that first step today and start your journey towards correcting tongue thrust!
If you’re ready to get started with us, book your first appointment at the link here. Or follow us on Instagram @marvelmyospeech to stay up to date with all of our latest content and free info!
Virtual Speech Therapy
To start with, I want to share with you that here at our practice, we have transitioned to 100% online care for our patients. We are all busy, patients and therapist included, and offering virtual services as our form of treatment has created convenient access to care for everyone. You can receive the services you need in the comfort of you own home.
Now I’m sure that you may be wondering how it works to receive speech therapy online. Let me tell you, it’s simple. You have nothing to worry about and we walk you step by step through the process to ensure that you feel comfortable and your goals are being met. If you’d like to schedule your appointment with us, click the link here to get started!
How it Works
Preparing for you first visit with us is quite simple. As mentioned before, you are more than welcome to complete your session in the comfort of you own home, and in fact, we encourage it. Make sure to set up your desktop or laptop compute in a well-lit area that you feel comfortable and bring something to eat and drink, as this will help with the evaluation piece. Also, when you schedule with us, we will send you a starter kit in the mail prior to your appointment to help you further prepare and gather all things you need for your session.
How We Treat
Here at MarvelMyo, we help individuals ages 5 years and up with speech, language, breathing, and feeding difficulties. Our secret weapon to combatting these dysfunctions is the use of myofunctional therapy.
Myofunctional therapy is all about addressing the muscles of your face, mouth, tongue, lips, and cheeks. These muscles play a huge role in daily functions like breathing, swallowing, and speech. When these muscles are not working as they should, it can lead to different issues that impact your everyday activities. A couple issues that could arise from incorrect function of these muscles include sleep disturbances and speech impediments.
Finding Solutions to the Problem
As I mentioned before, yes we identify the problems that our patients come into us with during our evaluations, but the most important thing is that we work to find solutions to your problems. To do this, we take a holistic approach looking at not only the muscle function, but also any underlying issues that may be contributing.
We pride ourselves in working closely alongside other healthcare professionals such as ENTs, airway-centric dentists, and orthodontists to make sure you are receiving the well-rounded care that you need. It’s the collaborative care between us and the other healthcare providers that help to ensure your success when combatting dysfunctions of the mouth and airway.
Treating with Myofunctional Therapy
Our entire mission here at MarvelMyo is to help you live your best life possible. We don’t just work to treat the symptoms your are struggling with, but rather combat the root cause of those symptoms for long-term relief. We would love to have the opportunity to help you on this journey.
If you’re ready to get started with us, book your first appointment at the link here. Or follow us on Instagram @marvelmyospeech to stay up to date with all of our latest content and free info!
