Treatments

Long-term non-nutritive sucking habits can also mal-form the oral structure. You may notice an imbalance of the face or lips? Maybe when your child bites together their front teeth may have an open gap (anterior open bite) these are all implications of the continuation of thumb or dummy sucking.

It is natural for infants to explore with their mouth and generally the infant will eliminate the pacifier or thumb at around 18months – 2 years of age once solid food foods are introduced and other mouth play is encouraged. However, this is not always the case, and should the sucking continue on, adverse implications are possible and intervention should be considered, when considering using the thumb sucking/ Pacifier program we will always ensure your child is ready see Thumbsucking/Pacifier Program for more information.

It’s important to remember that treatment is not just focused on children, adults also benefit from the cessation of these above habits and those such as cheek biting, lip biting & pen biting which lead to muscle imbalance.

Temporomandibular disorder affects 1 in 4 people, with a higher incidence in women 2-4 times more.

90% of the problem is due to the lack of growth in the upper jaw (maxilla) and is closely linked to those with postural problems.

It is displayed by pain and discomfort, muscle spasms, frequent headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, toothache, face pain and jaw pain.

Treatment of these disorders is based on a thorough assessment, massage, moist heat applications, goal settings with orofacial therapy exercises to support the return of correct function and to strengthen and tone.

Recent studies have shown that 30% of people have a sleep disordered breathing issue.

More often than not, these issues are linked to stress, airway blockages such a large adenoids or tonsils, allergies, and the body trying to accommodate mouth breathing whilst you sleep.

Evidence suggests retraining of the lips, tongue and muscle function to establish these muscles back to normal, also reduces the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnoea.

Treatment of these disorders are based around a thorough assessment, retraining of the tongue, lips and swallowing pattern alongside orofacial myotherapy exercises to increase muscle tone and support, focusing on the hyoid bone.

This training is focused on the essential functions for success.

It focuses on establishing

• Competent lip seal to avoid open mouth posture to eliminate the risk of poor muscle function of the face
• Nasal breathing and elimination mouth breathing to decrease the risk of systemic health and dental issues
• Correct Tongue position to influence correct growth of the jaw, face, teeth and speech
• Correct eating and drinking to support digestion and jaw function
• Pre and Post Frenectomy exercises to support surgery success

Getting older is inevitable and many people are turning to more natural therapies to reduce fine lines and increase muscle tone.

The treatment is based around exercises of the face to support correct muscle function and tone.