orofacial myofunctional therapy
OMT, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, utilizes exercise-based techniques to stabilize, tone, strengthen, or enhance the range of motion of skeletal muscles in the face and neck, targeting various orofacial myofunctional disorders.
The term "orofacial" refers to the face and mouth, while "myology" focuses on muscles and their function. Together, they encompass the functioning of the face, jaw, and mouth muscles. This therapy involves neuromuscular re-education of facial, lip, mouth, tongue, and neck muscles, with a focus on addressing oral habits, nasal breathing, proper oral rest posture, and the oral phase of swallowing to support airway development and enhance oral and facial muscle function, balance, and development.
OMT aims to modify habits, behaviors, and muscle patterns to improve speech, breathing, chewing, swallowing, and oral rest posture. Therapy often includes targeted exercises and movements to address specific muscle weaknesses and incorrect movement patterns.
Key Outcomes of OMT
1. Elimination of Negative Oral Habits
1. Elimination of Negative Oral Habits
1. Elimination of Negative Oral Habits
Thumb and finger sucking typically commence during early childhood and may persist for the initial years of life. Although some children naturally outgrow these behaviours, others may persist due to a need for comfort or self-soothing. Nonetheless, prolonged oral habits like using pacifiers, relying on sippy cups, thumb or finger sucking,
Thumb and finger sucking typically commence during early childhood and may persist for the initial years of life. Although some children naturally outgrow these behaviours, others may persist due to a need for comfort or self-soothing. Nonetheless, prolonged oral habits like using pacifiers, relying on sippy cups, thumb or finger sucking, nail and lip biting, as well as excessive lip licking, can negatively impact jaw structure, teeth alignment, tongue positioning, breathing, and speech development.
2. Good Lip Seal
1. Elimination of Negative Oral Habits
1. Elimination of Negative Oral Habits
For optimal breathing and oral health, it's essential for our lips to rest together naturally and comfortably. When our lips are not sealed, nasal breathing may be compromised, and the tongue may not be able to rest against the roof of the mouth properly. By maintaining sealed lips, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease decreases, and it also promotes better sleep quality at night.
3. Nasal Breathing - day and night
1. Elimination of Negative Oral Habits
3. Nasal Breathing - day and night
Our natural mode of breathing is through the nose, a process that filters, warms, and humidifies the air prior to its entry into the lungs. Additionally, breathing through the nose releases nitric oxide into the body, a vital molecule crucial for cardiovascular well-being, enabling the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently by up to 18%.
4. Proper Tongue Rest Posture
4. Proper Tongue Rest Posture
3. Nasal Breathing - day and night
The natural position of the tongue is to rest and fully occupy the roof of the mouth. When it does so, it offers internal support and direction for the development of the upper jaw. With the tongue in its correct position, the jaws widen, teeth align more smoothly, and facial development progresses as intended. Remarkably, the tongue plays a significant role in facial aesthetics regardless of age!
5. Proper Swallow Pattern
4. Proper Tongue Rest Posture
5. Proper Swallow Pattern
If your tongue thrusts forward or presses against the teeth during swallowing, it indicates a tongue thrust swallow pattern. This pattern may lead to the unintentional ingestion of small air pockets while consuming food and beverages, potentially causing digestive discomfort such as acid reflux, stomach discomfort, gas, or bloating. Moreover, it can significantly contribute to orthodontic relapse.
Oral Habit Elimination Program
Thumb and finger sucking often begin in early childhood, persisting for the first few years of life. While some children naturally cease these habits, others may continue due to seeking comfort or self-soothing. Prolonged oral habits such as pacifier use, reliance on sippy cups, thumb/finger sucking, nail biting, lip biting, and excessive lip licking can adversely affect jaw shape, teeth alignment, tongue positioning, breathing, and speech development.
Rooted in behavioural therapy, our program is specifically crafted to assist children in breaking negative oral habits in a positive and engaging way empowering children to relinquish addictive habits, and without resorting to punitive or intrusive measures. We provide comprehensive support and guidance to both children and parents throughout the process.
Addressing these habits is integral to myofunctional therapy, serving as the initial step towards restoring proper functional growth and development.
MINI-MYO THERAPY
Our Mini Myo Wellness program is tailored as an early intervention solution for children aged approximately 4-6 years who are not yet ready for intensive myofunctional therapy. The exercises in Mini Myo Wellness are specifically crafted for young children, emphasizing fun and interactive activities that involve both parents and children. Recognizing that children of this age group may not possess the same oral and motor skills as older counterparts, and considering their shorter attention spans, the program is designed accordingly. Mini Myo Wellness enables parents to instill positive oral habits in their children from an early age.
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need to perform daily activities and participate in school and play. They work with kids who have physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, using fun and engaging activities to improve motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing. The goal is to enhance the child's ability to function independently and improve their quality of life.
Counselling
At Prairie Sprout, counselling services are committed to nurturing a path to healing through trauma-informed and attachment-informed counseling. Our objective is to offer tailored and impactful support for children and youth by delving into the underlying causes of anxiety, depression, and relational challenges. We prioritize building genuine connections with our clients, with the aim to empower our clients, equipping them to make enduring, beneficial transformations in mental well-being, self-worth, relationships, and overall well-being.