Orofacial Myology Overview
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Orofacial myology is a specialized field within speech therapy that focuses on the muscles of the face, mouth, and jaw. These muscles, also known as the orofacial muscles, play a crucial role in speech, eating, and overall facial expression.
Problems with the orofacial muscles can lead to a variety of issues, including speech disorders, difficulty swallowing, and even chronic pain in the face, head, and neck. Some common conditions that orofacial myologists treat include:
Tongue thrust: This is a condition where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during speech and swallowing, which can lead to problems with tooth alignment and speech articulation.
Lip and cheek incompetence: This refers to the inability to properly close the lips or cheeks, which can lead to drooling and difficulty keeping food or liquid in the mouth.
Jaw muscle hyperactivity: This is a condition where the muscles that control the jaw become overactive, leading to pain and difficulty with eating and speaking.
Oral habits: Some people have habits such as thumb sucking, nail biting, or teeth grinding that can lead to problems with the orofacial muscles.
An orofacial myologist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's orofacial muscle function and develop a treatment plan to address any issues. Treatment may include exercises to strengthen and retrain the orofacial muscles, as well as education on proper swallowing and speaking techniques.
In addition, orofacial myologists may also work with other specialists, such as dentists or orthodontists, to address any issues related to tooth alignment or jaw structure.
It is important to note that orofacial myology is not only for children, but also for adult patients who may have developed orofacial muscle problems due to injury, surgery, or other medical conditions.
Overall, orofacial myology is an important field within speech therapy that can help individuals with a wide range of conditions related to the muscles of the face, mouth, and jaw. With the help of an orofacial myologist, patients can improve their speech, eating, and overall quality of life.
