The practice of myofunctional therapy plays an often-unsung role in addressing orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), conditions that can inhibit essential functionalities like breathing, eating, and speech articulation. In today’s discussion, we delve into the connections between myofunctional therapy and speech articulation to help expand understanding on the issue.
Understanding Myofunctional Disorders
Myofunctional disorders refer to any irregularities related to the muscles of the mouth and face. These disorders often result from inappropriate muscle movements and patterns. Studies indicate that OMDs affect approximately 38% of the general population and a staggering 81% of children with speech or articulation problems.
The consequences of these disorders are profound—spanning beyond simple functional limitations to potentially affecting facial and skeletal development, bite alignment, jaw motion, and facial appearance. Moreover, OMDs could also compromise oral hygiene and the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments.
Speech and Articulation Issues and OMDs
The Influence of OMDs on Speech
While the impacts of OMDs are numerous, their effect on speech articulation stands out starkly. A child struggling with an OMD may face issues with fluent speech and pronunciation. Tongue thrust, a common myofunctional disorder, may lead to mispronouncing sounds such as ‘s,’ ‘z,’ ‘sh,’ ‘ch,’ ‘j,’ and ‘r.’
Articulation and OMDs
Similarly, articulation — the process of forming clear and distinct sounds in speech — can be heavily hindered by an OMD. Misalignment, tension, or inappropriate movement of oral muscles can deteriorate a person’s articulation abilities. For instance, a high-riding tongue position or a restricted tongue can create difficulties for sounds such as ‘t,’ ‘d,’ ‘n,’ ‘l,’ and ‘th.’
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy centers around exercises and techniques designed to retrain the orofacial muscles into engaging in correct movement patterns. This therapy includes exercises for the lips, jaw, and tongue, which, over time, can correct the inappropriate behaviors causing an OMD.
Myofunctional Therapy and Speech Articulation
By targeting the heart of an OMD — improper muscle function — myofunctional therapy can dramatically improve speech articulation. The therapy aids in enhancing tongue mobility and strength, increasing facial muscle tone, and facilitating proper jaw movements — all crucial for clear articulation.
Myofunctional therapy also instills correct breathing patterns and optimal tongue and lip resting postures — reinforcing the basis for effective speech articulation.