Tongue Thrust (Orofacial Myofunctional) Disorders

• Dentofacial differences
• Cosmetic concerns
• Psycho-social concerns
• General oral posture
• Speech disorders

Research suggests that the results of orofacial myofunctional therapy and speech therapy have a beneficial influence on dental alignment. A combination of the two types of therapy may increase the overall effectiveness of the total orthodontic program.

Ideally, candidates for assessment and therapy are children and adults either prior to or during orthodontic treatment, when an orofacial muscular imbalance is suspected and can be corrected before the orthodontic work is completed or initiated. Participation in the OMD program after completion of orthodontic work is also recommended if orofacial muscular imbalance is suspected.

Skilled intervention is indicated when a problem in speaking and / or a problem in dental occlusion exists and can be justifiably related to tongue thrusting.

Indications for referral may include one or more of the following:

• Facial grimace and / or pursing of lips when swallowing
• Open mouth posture at rest with forward tongue placement
• Mouth breathing
• Open bite - anterior, lateral, posterior
• Dental malocclusions
• Incorrect speech production, especially /s/ and /z/

Components of OMD therapy at the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center focus on changing and maintaining behavior that is beneficial to dental alignment as well as speech production. Skilled intervention is designed to provide for individual needs and differences and facilitates stabilization of jaw and tooth contact as well as refinement of tongue movement and position at rest and during swallowing so that its forceful thrust against or between the teeth is replaced by orofacial muscular balance, i.e. a mature swallow pattern. After an initial 60 minute evaluation, the desired changes are usually achieved successfully through a series of graduated exercises taught in a ten session, intensive therapy program, involving weekly 30 minute sessions and extensive home practice with additional sessions and follow up as needed.

Remember... we swallow between 600 and 2,000 times per day and rest our tongues in our mouths constantly. Changing these habitual patterns requires effort and commitment. Motivation and perseverance in following through with the home practice exercises of the program ensures that permanent changes occur at the subconscious or habit level.