Myofunctional Disorders

Risk Factors

Myofunctional Disorder

Is a problem with the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. It is often thought of as an incorrect swallow. Correct swallowing depends on a balanced relationship between muscles of the face, mouth and throat. Safe and effective swallowing depends on this correct relationship and balance.

What Are The Causes?

It is thought that decreased breastfeeding or early weaning, increased use of bottles, sippy cups, and pouches, overuse of pacifiers, and the influence of processed foods on oral motor development all contribute. In addition, tongue tie, reflux,

Oral Myofunctional Therapy Can Make Transformational Shifts in Health

Healthy Eating — Correct chewing and swallowing patterns increase the risk of picky eating, food selectivity, texture aversions and choking.

Better Smile, Better Speech — Correcting tongue patters will not only make a better smile, it can reduce speech sound errors

GI — Incorrect chewing and swallowing can cause air swallowing or swallowing foods in completely chewed which can cause stomach aches, bloating, reflux, and reduced appe-tite.

Aids Digestion — Correct tongue patters stimulate appropriate saliva production to assist with chewing and the breakdown of food for swallowing and digestion.

Periodontal Disease — Mouth breathers are at risk for periodontal disease and cavities.

asthma, and allergies can also contribute to incorrect tongue patterns.

Characteristics

• Swallowing and Feeding Disorders

• Picky or restricted eating

• Speech articulation (sound) errors

• Mouth breathing

• Tongue thrust swallowing

• Airway issues: enlarged tonsils and adenoids, allergies, intolerances

• Sleep problems

• Teeth grinding or clenching

• Misaligned teeth, overjet, open bite

• Orthodontic regression