​What is Orofacial Myology?

Orofacial Myology (OFM) is the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing, and swallowing. Many OFM clients are referred by orthodontists or pediatric dentists due to concerns about a child's tongue placement, bite, or overall tone of facial muscles.

I provide screenings, comprehensive assessments, and treatment tailored to each person's specific pattern. I often work on tongue and jaw placement, chewing, suctioning, and use of specific speech productions to help balance the oral system. Results include improvement in facial tone, better control of food and liquids while eating, improvement in speech intelligibility, and movement of teeth.

Common orofacial dysfunctions that I see include:

- Restricted frenums (tethered tongue, lip, cheeks)
- Tongue thrusting
- Mouth breathing
- Bad habits (thumb or lip sucking, nail biting)