MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY FOR KIDS
TREAT THE CAUSE NOT THE SYMPTOMS
When I see an adult,
I am actually seeing an overgrown child
with unresolved Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders.
Over time, these disorders can lead to
serious consequences, so
let's spot the smoke, before the fire erupts.
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The most common issues I see in children
are found below.
PLAY ALONG BY HOVERING OVER
I spy with my "myo" eye...
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
THUMB OR
FINGER HABIT
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
TONGUE THRUST
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
TONGUE TIE
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
CROWDED
TEETH
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
POOR CHEWING
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
MOUTH BREATHING
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
SLEEP ISSUES
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
LONG FACE
I SPY WITH
MY
"MYO" EYE...
SPEECH ISSUES
Ta-Da-La
Na-Cha
They may be common,
BUT COMMON DOESN'T MEAN NORMAL!
AGAIN,
COMMON.
DOES'T.
MEAN NORMAL!
Use your "myo" eyes and watch for...
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Open mouth posture
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Audible breathing
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Drooling
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Thumb or finger sucking
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Chronic illness, allergies, asthma
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Bed wetting (Enuresis)
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Clenching/ grinding of teeth
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Gingivitis from oral breathing
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Dry chapped lips
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Nasal constriction
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Bad breath
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Snoring
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Dry Mouth
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Poor sleep habits
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Night terrors
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Dark circle under eyes
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ADHD/Hyperactivity
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Poor Concentration
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Poor Growth
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Anxiety
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Digestive Problems
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Enlarged tonsils
Possible Causes...
-
enlarged tonsils and adenoids
-
narrow or vaulted palate
-
mouth breathing
-
structure restriction such as a tongue tie
-
nasal blockages
-
allergies
-
neurological or developmental abnormalities
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prolong habit of sucking on thumbs or fingers
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prolong use of pacifier, bottles, sippy cups
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nail, cheek or lip biting habit
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What's the big deal?
First, we must understand that Noses are for Breathing, and Mouths are for Eating. You would be worried if you saw your child use their nose to eat. Well, you should be worried if they use their mouth to breath.
Nasal (nose) breathing is hierarchically the most important function for humans to thrive. Sadly, over half of our children are routinely breathing through their mouths. Many, unaware of the potential consequences this could be having on their growth, development and function.
Some potential consequences of poor sleep include:
-
impulsivity
-
inattention
-
hyperactivity
-
restlessness
-
aggression
-
emotional ability
-
ridged thinking
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Another reason why this is a big deal is that by the age of SIX, 80% of our growth is competed. By the age of 8-10, 90% is completed. This is astounding and why I work with a team of professionals to intercept and take advantage of this growth, not wait and throw a band aid on it later.
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Myofunctional programs improve the muscle systems if the mouth, face, throat and improve the airway, along with retraining breathing habits. AND...it's fun!
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processing speed
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visual motor coordination
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memory
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verbal fluency & comprehension
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intellectual scores
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reading, math &/or writing skills
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judgement
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executive functioning