Thumb or finger sucking cessation
Sucking- we all started our life doing it because it was life-giving and provided an excellent source of comfort and security. For some of us, we liked it so much we forgot to give up the habit! Most youngsters give up on their own. However, some continue well into and through childhood, into the teen years and sometimes into adulthood. With long-term use, sucking on a thumb, finger or other devices (dummies/pacifiers etc) can act as a kind of ‘incorrect orthodontic device’ and change the shape of the teeth and jaw, and can create abnormal swallowing habits. The habit can be difficult to address within the family and often requires outside help.
TOfM offers a reputable, supportive, fun and comprehensive cessation programme for your young one – or for clients who are a little more ‘experienced!’ (It is best to wait until about the age of 4 though)
Tongue and lip ties
The evaluation of ties can be quite tricky! What appears to be tied, may in fact not be causing any functional problems for the client or adult patient, however, some ties have gone undetected for years and have significantly impacted the ability of the tongue or lip to be fully functional and had health implications that reach beyond the obvious. The evaluation regarding release should be made with consideration given to the form and the function.
Should an evaluation for a release be recommended, Cathy can help to organise a referral to the most appropriate practitioner. She recognises the detrimental effect that ankyloglossia (tongue tie) can have on clients, but also the importance of post-release therapy. Oral soft tissues heal fast! It is natural then, for tissues to want to re-attach as soon as possible, and a course of post-release myofucntional therapy is recommended to commence before or on the day of the release to minimise reattachment and maximise the benefits of your release.
Mouth breathing
Nasal breathing is natural, healthier and recommended!
For some, the ability to do this is difficult (or almost impossible) due to physical obstructions, poor habits or functional restrictions.
The evaluation of the reasons why a person ‘chooses’ or is restricted to breathing through their mouth is often missed but is a vital key to their health and wellbeing
Sometimes it is necessary for a client to be referred for an ‘airway evaluation’ by an ENT specialist (ear, nose and throat specialist) and this can be enlightening for all!
The benefits of nasal breathing are significant. When air passes through the nasal sinuses, it is warmed and filtered, and Nitric Oxide is released into the lungs, into the bloodstream and then into the organs, and significantly improves the function for each. Teaching a client to successfully nasal breath as a normal functional habit is life changing. Improved general health, concentration, energy, sleep, posture, speech and swallowing functions are all achieved when nasal breathing is the ‘norm.’
Orofacial myology is often recommended by ENT’s following surgery for tonsil and adenoid removal, or nasal surgery to facilitate to correct existing breathing habits.
Tongue thrust swallow
One of the most common incorrect swallowing habits is a ‘tongue thrust.’ This is where the tongue is ‘thrust’ forwards to the front teeth in the act of swallowing and speaking. because the tongue is such a strong group of muscles, this action can have a significant effect on the development of the teeth and bone formation for a young person or affect the position of the teeth in older people.
Determining the reason for a tongue thrust is as important as the programme to help this powerful muscle to function as it should. Speech often improves automatically as the tongue is toned and trained, and swallowing becomes more effective.
Clients are often referred for myofunctional therapy prior to the commencement of orthodontic treatment to eliminate the possibility of relapse when the orthodontic treatment is completed.
Sleep and snoring issues
Muscles of the mouth and throat and their function, fitness, and placement can really affect the quality of sleep in an individual. Snoring can be so very detrimental to a person’s health (not to mentions the other members of the family!)
Establishing a reliable nasal breathing airway is especially important in helping with your health improvement journey.
Young children should not regularly snore, grind their teeth, be very restless, wake frequently, sleepwalk, have nightmares or bed wet (after the age of 5), or wake up tired. Should these be occurring then an assessment is recommended to evaluate the airways and any possible obstruction.
In the older population, ‘sleep hygiene’ tips can help teens and adults recognise some of the simple changes that can be made to help improve their sleep patterns. Myofucntioal therapy for sleep fitness can certainly help with these areas, and with the help of other members of your health team if necessary, improve your physical and mental health, and general quality of life.
TMJ problems
Where muscular dysfunction is present, TMJ or temporomandibular joint problems can occur and can include pain or clicking on opening and/or eating. Orofacial myofucntional therapy can help to improve muscular function, encourage balance when eating and swallowing and can significantly improve the discomfort. Clients are often referred for this be concerned practitioners as part of a team approach to improved health.
Facial muscle fitness
You know that muscles get old and soft with age and disuse, don’t you? Its why you use more muscles to smile than to frown! Myofucntional therapy can help ‘awaken’ tired and weakened facial muscles to rejuvenate the face naturally.
Gaining balance in muscle function, renewing the function of damaged musculature, and gaining some symmetry in muscle movement is orofacial myology! In our modern age, we often look for quick fixes but if you are in need of some help to tone the natural way or rehabilitate facial muscles, myofunctional therapy can really help. It’s not new… it’s just different!