Orofacial Myology

Orofacial myology is the study and treatment of oral-facial muscle and swallowing disorders. These disorders can range from difficulties with speech and articulation to chronic jaw pain and airway obstruction. Orofacial myology is a specialty within the fields of speech pathology and dentistry, and can be used to assess, diagnose, and manage a variety of oral-facial and swallowing conditions. Through the use of specific exercises, Orofacial Myologists can strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the face and mouth, as well as improve speech production and clarity, reduce chronic jaw pain, properly align the jaw joints, alleviate snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, improve swallowing ability and reduce the risk of choking or aspiration. Additionally, Orofacial Myology can help to reduce the occurrence of habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting, among others. Orofacial Myology can benefit individuals of any age but is particularly useful for infants, children, and adults who may have difficulty with communication and swallowing.