Here's a checklist to help you determine whether your child needs orofacial myofunctional therapy:
Does your child have difficulty pronouncing specific sounds despite having speech therapy for years?
Can you see your child’s tongue push forward while swallowing? Is your child a messy eater?
Do you see your child’s tongue stick out between the front teeth at rest? Are their lips apart and jaw hinged open while watching T.V. or reading a book?
Does your child’s tongue seem ‘tied’ to the floor of the mouth?
Does your child breathe through their mouth?
Is your child’s face growing long and narrow?
Does your child snore at night? Sound congested?
Does your child have a forward head posture with rounded shoulders (slouches)?
If any of these issues concern you, your child might need the specialized help from an Orofacial Myologist to provide myofunctional therapy. An Orofacial Myologist assists with correcting the resting tongue posture, eliminating a forward thrust of the tongue when swallowing and facilitating nasal breathing.
Also, if your child is, or will be, in braces (initiating orthodontic treatment), this work will allow the mechanical forces of the braces to work faster and reduce the chances of orthodontic relapse.
Identification and elimination of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder - especially when your child is young - goes a long way to ensure proper dental and facial development that will last a lifetime!
Call Long Island Stuttering & Speech Pathology at 631-261-7740 today to make an appointment.