ABCDs of OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

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Did you know that, besides bulldogs, we are the only mammals to snore or  stop breathing during sleep? 

Breathing is our single most important life-giving function. To breathe, we must have an open airway. Unfortunately, our human physiology makes us vulnerable to airway restrictions.

50% of the population suffers from Airway-Centered Disorders (ACDs) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SBD)! 

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) was created to improve sleep apnea. It helps in about 50% of adults and 62% of children with the condition and assists with other obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatments as well. Ideal health, wellness, and brain development depend on an open airway, nasal breathing, and deep, restorative sleep. Myofunctional Therapy starts with functional, minimally invasive, and holistically focused solutions to improve your ability to simply breathe.

The only thing that matters is your next breath. 

Although breathing is involuntary--we do it without conscious effort--we have the ability to control it an use it to our advantage. Normal breathing is done through the nose in a light, slow, and regular pattern that's driven by the diaphragm. 

Many people develop disordered and inefficient patterns of breathing. 

Some common signs are:                      

• mouth breathing
• noisy breathing
• frequent yawning or sighing
• breathing from upper chest
• waking with dry mouth or chapped lips

As many as 80% of people with anxiety disorders have dysfunctional breathing patterns. Orofacial Myofunction Therapy works to re-train your muscles and get them functioning and you back to your thriving self. 

Breathing is Life!

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) include, but are not limited to:: 

•  forward head posture that may include jaw or neck pain
• non-nutritive sucking and nail biting
• lip licking and biting
• tongue and jaw thrust
• excessive drooling
• sloppy/messy eater with open mouth chewing
• noisy swallowing
• food/texture aversions
• clenching and grinding
• poor tongue rest posture associated with mouth breathing.  

Studies have found in children, ages 6 months to 7 years, that snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and mouth breathing contributed to neurobehavior morbidity such as increased risk of ADHD , aggression, and anxiety behaviors. 

OMT assists in reeducating an atypical swallow, eliminating OMDs, and establishing harmonious muscle function in the face and tongue.