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Speech, Language, Myofunctional, and Feeding Therapy

Lincoln, NE and surrounding areas

What is Orofacial Myology?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD), sometimes called an “oral myofunctional disorder" and “tongue thrust," are disorders of the face, mouth, lips, or jaw. OMDs may affect - directly and/or indirectly - breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing,

swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial aesthetics, and more.

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What is an Orofacial Myologist?

An orofacial myologist is a professional who is trained in the neuromuscular facilitation of the orofacial muscles.  

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Orofacial Myologists work in a multi-disciplinary approach alongside dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, lactation consultants, oral surgeons, plastic surgeons.

Signs and Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Poor latch during breast or bottle feeding

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Tongue protrusion/tongue thrust while resting and/or during swallow

Picky  eater

Messy eater/difficulty swallowing

Drooling

Dental malocclusion

Clenching or grinding teeth

Mouth breathing

TMD pain

Thumb sucking, nail biting

Speech disorders

What are the treatment goals of Orofacial Myology?

Correct resting posture of the tongue, lips, and jaw

Encourage nasal breathing

Eliminate adverse oral habits such as nail biting, thumb sucking

Correct abnormal chew and swallow patterns

Correct speech patterns of the tongue, lips, and jaw

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How common are OMDs?
38% in the general population 
81% in children exhibiting speech/articulation problems
•(International Association of Orofacial Myology-IAOM)

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