Recognizing myofunctional disorders and their implications for oral and airway development in children and long-term implications for function in adults with Jennifer Tow, BFA, MA, IBCLC, LMT, CSOM
Did your child have a tongue-tie or difficulty breastfeeding? Is your child a picky eater? Does your child snore or sleep poorly, have crooked teeth, a long narrow face, or poor posture?
Beginning with infant feeding issues, myofunctional disorders can present in a myriad of ways that can have far-reaching implications for health and well-being. Some of the commonly associated morbidities include tongue-tie and other oral restrictions, poor sleep, snoring, picky eating, malocclusion, cavities, mouth breathing, impaired craniofacial development, poor posture and sleep apnea.
Myofunctional therapy utilizes a series of muscular exercises, primarily of the tongue and lips (the facial muscles used to chew and swallow) to improve the strength of the muscles within the oropharynx, including the tongue, often in concert with breathing exercises. Whether we are addressing sucking habits, a tongue-thrust swallow, tongue ties, or airway issues, the purpose of these exercises is to facilitate neuromuscular re-patterning, thus establishing a proper oral rest posture. A healthy oral rest posture requires that the tongue rests on the palate, lips are sealed and nasal breathing is established, resulting in healthy form and function. Assessment and treatment of myofunctional disorders should support tongue-tie release, orthodontic treatment and correction of airway and sleep disorders.
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC
Holistic Lactation Consultant, Holistic Health Coach (focus in nutrition), founder Holistic Lactation Institute