Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Helping Patients Breathe, Eat, Speak, and Sleep Better
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) occur when the muscles of the face and mouth do not function in a coordinated or healthy way. These issues can impact everything from speech clarity and chewing to nasal breathing, facial development, and sleep quality.

What Is Orofacial Myology?

Orofacial myology is the assessment and treatment of improper muscle patterns involving the tongue, lips, jaw, and face. These patterns may interfere with normal breathing, swallowing, speaking, and resting posture. Learn more from ASHA about how these disorders are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists.

  • Chronic mouth breathing (due to allergies, enlarged tonsils, or nasal obstruction)
  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
  • Tongue or lip ties (ankyloglossia)
  • Oral habits like nail biting, cheek chewing, or teeth clenching
  • Poor tongue posture or low resting tongue position
  • Unclear or delayed speech
  • Open-mouth posture or frequent drooling
  • Tongue thrust when speaking or swallowing
  • Dental issues such as open bite, overbite, or crowded teeth
  • Snoring or other sleep-disordered breathing
  • Difficulty chewing or managing food
OMT is a non-invasive, exercise-based therapy designed to correct improper oral muscle habits. It can help:
  • Improve resting tongue and lip posture
  • Eliminate tongue thrust and improve swallowing
  • Enhance articulation and speech clarity
  • Reduce or eliminate harmful habits (e.g., thumb sucking)
  • Promote nasal breathing and support better sleep
At Goshen Speech & Hearing Center, every therapy plan is tailored to the individual’s age, needs, and health history. We offer:
  • Guided exercises to improve strength, coordination, and function
  • Functional training for speech, swallowing, and breathing
  • Coordination with ENTs, orthodontists, and dental professionals
  • Coaching for parents and caregivers to support daily practice

Let’s support your child’s growth, development, and communication.

Call us at (845) 360-9323 or request an appointment to learn more about our myofunctional therapy services.

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