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PHONE 402-484-0326
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.
What is an Orofacial Myologist?
An orofacial myologist is a professional who is trained in the neuromuscular facilitation of the orofacial muscles.
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
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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