Oral Myofunctional Therapy For Children, Including Special Needs Kids

By Dawn L. Tyler, DDS

Magnolia Kid Friendly Dental

. https://www.magnoliakidfriendlydental.com/

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Oral Myofunctional Therapy For Children, Including Special Needs Kids

Every parent dreams of their child having a radiant smile and enjoying good oral health. However, certain habits like tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, nail biting, teeth grinding, and reverse swallowing can contribute to crooked teeth and improper facial development in children. But there’s hope! 

Oral myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to address and correct improper oral and facial muscle function. It focuses on eliminating detrimental habits that can affect your child’s dental health and overall well-being:

Tongue Thrusting: This is the habit of pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing, which can lead to dental misalignment. Oral myofunctional therapy teaches your child proper swallowing techniques, reducing the pressure on teeth.

Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking may seem harmless, but it can lead to open bites and other orthodontic issues. Oral myofunctional therapy can help break this habit gently and effectively.

Nail Biting: This behavior can exert unnecessary pressure on the teeth and jaw, potentially causing misalignment. The therapy assists in identifying triggers and redirecting nervous energy towards healthier habits.

Teeth Grinding: Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can lead to worn enamel and other dental problems. Oral myofunctional therapy can help children relax their jaw muscles, reducing the likelihood of grinding.

Reverse Swallowing: This can result in tongue thrusting, contributing to dental issues. The therapy helps children relearn the proper way to swallow.

Oral myofunctional therapy offers several benefits for all children, promoting proper facial movement and overall health:

Improved Facial Development: By addressing harmful habits early, the therapy can aid in proper facial and dental development, reducing the need for costly orthodontic treatments in the future.

Enhanced Speech: Correcting tongue thrusting and other oral habits can lead to improved speech development in children, helping them communicate more effectively.

Better Breathing: Proper tongue posture and oral muscle function can improve breathing patterns, especially for children with allergies or asthma.

Oral Myofunctional Therapy for Special Needs Children

Children with special needs, such as down syndrome, cerebral palsy, mobility issues, anxiety, and autism, can also benefit immensely from oral myofunctional therapy. Here’s how:

Individualized Approach: Trained therapists can create personalized therapy plans to accommodate the unique needs and challenges of children with special needs.

Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing oral habits and promoting proper muscle function, therapy can help special needs children speak more clearly, eat comfortably, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Increased Confidence: A beautiful smile and improved oral health can boost a child’s self-esteem, regardless of their special needs.