for optimal oral function
Why myo?
Sleep
Snoring, sleep apnea, and insufficient airflow cause poor sleep, which inhibits normal development in children and causes chronic stress and disease in adults. Hidden signs of sleep disordered breathing include bedwetting, ADHD, acid reflux, tooth grinding, and high blood pressure.
Teeth
The muscles of the face and jaw are constantly influencing the shape of the mouth. Especially in infants and children, getting those muscles working in the right ways and the right places results in a healthier mouth and teeth, with room for normal tooth development.
Speech and More
A weak, uncoordinated, or restricted tongue is an underlying issue that might not be resolved even with years of speech therapy.
Headaches, neck & jaw tension, difficulty chewing and swallowing (which can lead to picky eating), and digestive issues can also stem from restricted oral function.
For Infants and Children
Proper oral function is crucial for babies and children to:
- Breastfeed effectively (and without pain for mother)
- Develop healthy oral structure with room for normal tooth development
- Sleep well (which directly affects learning, attention, and mental/emotional/physical development)
- Maintain healthy digestion
- Develop proper speech patterns
Early intervention, with gentle and non-invasive techniques, can save families years of struggle and multi-generational health concerns.
My hope for the future is for every infant to be evaluated for proper oral function, including lip and tongue ties, effective breastfeeding latch, and overall muscle tone in the tongue and other facial muscles.
For Adults
Even after the mouth and jaw have fully developed, it is often possible to improve sleep, digestion, and headache/jaw pain with myofunctional therapy.
Sometimes orthodontic treatment can be beneficial as well, which I can recommend if needed.
A Holistic Approach
A myofunctional assessment helps you pinpoint the real source of the problem and begin working on real solutions, not just band-aid fixes.
I am also a holistic IBCLC (international board-certified lactation consultant) and a trained craniosacral fascial therapist. Putting all these pieces together helps me make sure that we get to the root of the issue, use the most physiologically beneficial treatment options, and give you or your child the best support for healing and optimal function.
Should you need additional resources, such as lip/tongue tie release, orthodontic treatment, nutritional coaching, or a sleep study, I can make recommendations and integrate those needs into your therapy plan.
For Lactation Services, check your insurance coverage here: https://go.lactationnetwork.com/VitalFunctionTherapies