Visiting the dentist is about much more than just your teeth. Many people don’t know that your dentist can help you find a solution for several orofacial myofunctional disorders as well. At Dental Solutions of Columbus, we love caring for our smaller smiles and place a heavy emphasis on correcting improper oral habits that can turn into more serious issues down the road. Read on to learn more about myofunctional therapy, tongue thrust therapy, and catching signs of these disorders.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional disorders can affect a number of daily tasks, like swallowing, chewing, TMJ movement, and much more. Therapy focuses on retraining your facial muscles to function properly again, promoting proper oral habits and development. Much like physical therapy, myofunctional therapy consists of a series of exercises that combine retraining your brain and strengthening your muscles.
Tongue Thrust Therapy
Tongue thrust is a condition caused by improper swallowing technique, which results in the tongue resting too far forward in the mouth. It is most commonly seen in infants and children, but can carry into adulthood if left untreated. Myofunctional therapy is used to treat tongue thrust as it retrains the muscles involved in swallowing.
What to Look For
As your child grows and develops, there are a few signs that point to orofacial myofunctional disorders and tongue thrust. The most common include open-mouthed posture, chewing without closing their lips, a tongue that pushes against the teeth at rest or when speaking, and front teeth that stick out.
It’s important to schedule your child’s first visit with us by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts so we can accurately monitor their oral development. Whatever your child’s unique dental needs may be, we’re committed to helping you find a solution. If it’s time for your child’s next visit, please call our office or utilize our contact form to schedule their appointment. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!
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