Harmonizing Speech and Facial Muscles: Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder Therapy with McKibben & Monte
Helping Children Achieve Balance in Orofacial Function
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) refer to various conditions that affect the muscles and functions of the face, mouth, and throat. These disorders can impact speech, swallowing, breathing, and even facial growth and development. You may also see this when there are prolonged oral habits, like thumb or finger sucking.
At McKibben & Monte, we understand that orofacial myofunctional disorders can affect a child’s speech, facial development, and overall well-being. They must be addressed early on. Our dedicated team specializes in providing therapy to address these challenges and promote harmonious orofacial function.
Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Orofacial myofunctional disorders involve irregularities in the coordination and function of the muscles in the mouth and face. These disorders can manifest in difficulties with speech, swallowing, and facial development. At McKibben & Monte, we’re here to provide the expertise and support your child needs to thrive.
One common OMD is tongue thrust, also known as orofacial muscle imbalance. Tongue thrust occurs when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. This abnormal tongue posture can lead to dental problems, such as misaligned teeth or an open bite. In some cases, it can also affect speech production, causing lisps or other articulation difficulties.
Another OMD is mouth breathing, which occurs when someone predominantly breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. This can be caused by various factors, including nasal congestion, allergies, or anatomical abnormalities. Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and an increased risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Additionally, it may impact facial growth and development in children, potentially leading to long-term facial structure changes.
OMDs can also affect swallowing patterns. Some individuals may have difficulty coordinating the complex movements required for safe and efficient swallowing, known as dysphagia. This can result in choking, coughing, or even aspiration, where food or liquids enter the airway instead of the esophagus. Proper swallowing is crucial for nutrition, hydration, and overall health, so addressing these issues is essential.
Our Approach
Luckily, there are treatments available for orofacial myofunctional disorders. Orofacial myofunctional therapy, provided by a trained therapist, focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to improve function and correct improper habits. Therapy may involve exercises, behavior modification techniques, and lifestyle changes to promote proper muscle function and coordination.
Our in-school therapy services extend to children dealing with orofacial myofunctional disorders in various Ohio areas, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, Perrysburg, and Youngstown – Northern Kentucky, and Tampa, Florida. Our certified professionals specialize in helping children achieve balance and coordination in their orofacial muscles.
Why Choose McKibben & Monte?
- Specialized Expertise: Our therapists have specialized training in orofacial myofunctional disorders. They employ evidence-based techniques to improve speech, swallowing, and facial muscle coordination.
- Personalized Care: We recognize that each child’s orofacial myofunctional challenges are unique. Our therapy plans are tailored to address their specific needs and goals.
- Convenient Access: We provide our services directly in your child’s school, making therapy easily accessible as part of their daily routine.
- Collaboration: We collaborate closely with educators and parents to ensure that our therapy complements the child’s overall development and well-being.
- Progress Tracking: Our focus is on helping children with orofacial myofunctional disorders achieve balance and coordination in their orofacial function. We monitor progress and celebrate every milestone.
Getting Started
If you suspect that your child may have an orofacial myofunctional disorder or if you’re seeking professional support to enhance their speech, swallowing, and facial muscle coordination, reach out to us today. Contact us to schedule an evaluation. Our team will work closely with you to understand your child’s needs and develop a personalized therapy plan to support their orofacial function.
Join Us in Promoting Orofacial Health
At McKibben & Monte, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve balance and coordination in their orofacial function. Our orofacial myofunctional disorder therapy services aim to promote harmonious orofacial function, empowering children to communicate, eat, and smile with confidence.
McKibben & Monte – Where Orofacial Health Matters