FAQs

General Questions

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?reelfiredesign2020-08-31T16:38:38+00:00

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is neurological re-education exercises to assist the normalization of the developing, or developed, craniofacial structures and function.It is related to the study, research, prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of functional and structural alterations in the region of the mouth (oro), face (facial) and regions of the neck (oropharyngeal area).

Related to Lingual Frenulum or Tongue-tie

Who can detect the presence of tongue-tie?reelfiredesign2020-08-31T16:40:15+00:00

Who can detect the presence of tongue-tie?

A specialist in Orofacial Myofunciotnal Therapy should be well suited to detect a tongue-tie since they should know about the lingual frenulum and also the normal way the newborn sucks. In the case of infants, a pediatrician and a lactation consultant may also be involved.

How & when should tongue-tie be treated?reelfiredesign2020-08-31T16:42:07+00:00

How & when should tongue-tie be treated?

When the tongue cannot perform all the necessary movements and thus jeopardizes the way of sucking, swallowing, chewing or talking, a small surgery or frenotomy in the tongue is indicated. The “cut” of the frenum in infants is a simple procedure done with scissors, scalpel, or laser and anesthetic gel, which lasts about five minutes. In older children and adults the most common procedure is the frenectomy (partial removal of the lingual frenulum).

Related to Mouth Breathing

How can one identify a person who breathes through the mouth?reelfiredesign2020-08-31T16:44:28+00:00

How can one identify a person who breathes through the mouth?

The person may have one or more of the following characteristics: nasal congestion, open mouth at rest; parched lips, lip color change, appearance of a large tongue that may be recessed and projected forward; long face syndrome; forward head posture; dark circles under the eyes, sagging cheeks, wheezing, and snoring. In such cases it is recommended that an otolaryngologist (ENT) and/or allergist be consulted.

What are key issues that may be caused by mouth breathing during sleep?reelfiredesign2020-11-13T22:39:37+00:00

What are key issues that may be caused by mouth breathing during sleep?

When sleeping with the mouth open, a person may have some of these characteristics: restless sleep, urgency to pee or bedwetting, snoring, headaches, drooling on the pillow, thirst when waking up, morning sleepiness, sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep), and decreased oxygen saturation in the blood.

What are the main disadvantages to learning caused by mouth breathing?reelfiredesign2020-11-16T19:09:13+00:00

What are the main disadvantages to learning caused by mouth breathing?

Sleep disturbances that have been previously explained can generate agitation, anxiety, impatience, decreased levels of alertness, impulsiveness and discouragement. All of these changes can cause difficulties with attention, concentration, memory problems, and subsequent learning difficulties. During the critical periods of a child’s development, mouth breathing can be more detrimental to learning.

Related to Sleep Apnea

How is OMT related to sleep apnea?reelfiredesign2020-11-16T19:13:56+00:00

How is OMT related to sleep apnea?

Anyone who experiences Obstructive Sleep Apnea should be treated by a multidisciplinary team including a sleep specialist. In this team, the Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist may help by directing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat and exercises that may help, if indicated, in improving oral rest posture.

Related to Chewing and open bite

What causes Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?reelfiredesign2020-11-16T19:15:04+00:00

What causes Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?

TMD may be related to various factors such as dental changes (loss or wear of the teeth, poorly fitting dentures), unilateral chewing, mouth breathing, lesions due to trauma or degeneration of the TMJ, muscle strains caused by psychological factors (stress and anxiety) and noxious habits (nail biting, biting objects), or grinding and clenching the teeth.