Speech Therapy Concussion Treatment And Speech Therapy | Page 18

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders:
Here’s What You Need to Know
• What is it
o Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder [OMD], also called tongue thrust, is a
condition where you inadvertently move your tongue forward frequently,
rest it on your lips, or stick it out when you eat or talk. It can cause issues
while you eat, drink, or speak. The tongue remains inside your mouth when
you are not eating or talking.
• How speech language therapist can help
o Your speech-language pathologist can help you change the manner in
which you use your tongue. They will have you practise closing your
mouth when you are not eating or talking. The therapist will help you in
speaking, eating, and drinking appropriately. The therapist examines
speech sound errors, open-mouth posture, and your inability to swallow.
Treatment includes improving muscle strength, speech production, and
chewing patterns. It also involves increasing awareness about facial
muscles and mouth postures.