User:EricWersel/Orofacial Myology

Orofacial myology is a specialized professional discipline that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscle (myo-) postural and functional disorders and habit patterns that may disrupt normal dental development and create cosmetic problems. The principles involved with the evaluation and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders are based upon dental science tenets; however, orofacial myofunctional therapy is not dental treatment. Orofacial myofunctional therapy is often called myofunctional therapy.

Orofacial myology evaluates and treats the following:

1. Persistent non-nutritive sucking habits (thumb, finger, pacifier etc) and other detrimental orofacial habits
2. Abnormal orofacial rest posture problems
3. Abnormal neuromuscular muscle patterns associated with inappropriate mastication (chewing), bolus formation and deglutition (swallowing)
4. Dysfunctional breathing patterns
5. Atypical swallowing patterns
6. Atypical speech patterns (by licensed/credentialed Speech-language pathologists only)

See Also

• Orofacial myological disorders
• tongue thrust

External Links

International Association of Orofacial Myology: http://iaom.com