What is oro-myofunctional therapy (OMFT)?

The goal of oro-myofunctional therapy (OMFT) is to balance the muscles in and around the mouth. In particular, the strength of the lips and tongue plays a crucial role in maintaining clean teeth and correct articulation. Thus, OMFT can also be an important part of speech therapy.

Prerequisites for starting OMFT

Before OMFT can be started, it is necessary that certain abnormal oral habits, such as:

• Thumb-sucking
• Weaning
• Sucking on fingers, clothing or hugs

If these habits are still present, therapy is of little use. This is because these habits cause the lip and tongue strength to remain insufficiently developed.

How does OMFT work?

OMFT involves working with various exercises to balance all the muscles in and around the mouth. As a result, abnormal mouth habits are unlearned, such as:

• Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
• A low tongue position at rest
• Tongue protrusion during swallowing (where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth)
• Slissen

To get the best results, it is important to perform the exercises at home daily. The speech therapist will explain what exercises are needed and how to practice them at home with your child.

Consequences of abnormal oral habits

Failure to pay attention to unlearning deviant oral habits can affect your child’s development and future. Possible consequences include:

• A sloppy dentition
• Improper posture, which can lead to neck and back pain
• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Relapse after orthodontic treatments with braces
• Jaw joint problems
• Common colds or ear infections

The importance of practicing at home

OMFT involves teaching correct breathing, swallowing and articulation patterns. This also involves overall body posture. Although much explanation and practice takes place during speech therapy, it is very important that the new breathing, swallowing and articulation pattern is also applied daily at home.

Information about mouth breathing

Mouth breathing can have detrimental effects on health and development. As we often say, “The mouth is for eating, not for breathing.” Learn more at OMFT.info, where you can find courses and materials on OMFT.