orofacial
myofunctional
therapy (OMT)
Supporting Healthy Speech, Breathing & Feeding
How the mouth, tongue, and jaw work together is important for clear speech, breathing, chewing, and swallowing. If your child breathes through their mouth, has trouble chewing, struggles with certain speech sounds, or has habits like thumb-sucking or pushing their tongue forward when swallowing, extra support can help!
What Makes MCP Different?
🌟 Comprehensive & Targeted Approach – I address the root causes of oral function challenges, not just the symptoms.
🌟 No "One-Size-Fits-All" Therapy – Every child receives a personalized plan based on their specific needs.
🌟 Gentle, Play-Based Techniques – Therapy is interactive, engaging, and designed to strengthen oral muscles in a fun, effective way.
At MCP, I specialize in orofacial myofunctional therapy that helps children develop proper oral posture, nasal breathing, and efficient swallowing. By addressing oral-motor function early, therapy can prevent long-term issues with speech, feeding, sleep, and dental alignment.
JUMP TO SECTION:
Early Intervention OMT (0–4 Years)
What is IT?
Early OMT focuses on developing proper oral-motor function during the critical early years. It strengthens and coordinates the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw to support:
✔ Efficient feeding
✔ Healthy breathing patterns
✔ Speech development
✔ Proper oral rest posture
| Oral Structure | Proper Positioning (Birth–4 Years) |
|---|---|
| Lips | Closed at rest, not parted |
| Tongue | Resting on the roof of the mouth (palate), not between teeth |
| Jaw | Relaxed, with teeth gently touching or slightly apart |
| Breathing | Through the nose, not the mouth |
| Swallowing | No tongue thrust, smooth and efficient movement |
Signs Your Child May Need Support
🚩 Difficulty breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or transitioning to solids
🚩 Frequent gagging, choking, or trouble swallowing
🚩 Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
🚩 Excessive drooling beyond toddler years
🚩 Thumb-sucking, pacifier use past 12 months, or other oral habits
🚩 Speech delays or trouble producing sounds like P, B, M, T
🚩 Tongue-tie or lip-tie affecting feeding or oral development
Why Early Intervention Matters
✔ Prevents long-term feeding, speech, and airway issues
✔ Encourages nasal breathing and proper oral posture
✔ Supports strong oral muscle function for speech clarity
If your child is showing any of these signs, early therapy can help develop strong oral-motor skills!
traditional OMT (4+ Years)
What is IT?
OMT retrains and strengthens oral and facial muscles to improve:
✔ Tongue & lip posture
✔ Nasal breathing
✔ Efficient chewing & swallowing
✔ Speech clarity
| Oral Structure | Proper Positioning (4+ Years) |
|---|---|
| Lips | Closed at rest, promoting nasal breathing |
| Tongue | Resting on the palate, not between or against teeth |
| Jaw | Relaxed with teeth gently touching or slightly apart |
| Breathing | Through the nose, without open-mouth posture |
| Swallowing | No tongue thrust, proper coordination of muscles |
Signs Your Child May Need Support
🚩 Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
🚩 Tongue thrust during swallowing or speech
🚩 Snoring, restless sleep, or signs of sleep apnea
🚩 Dental concerns (overbite, underbite, crossbite, excessive drooling)
🚩 Speech difficulties, especially with S, Z, L, or R sounds
🚩 Persistent oral habits (thumb-sucking, nail-biting, tongue thrusting)
Why OMT Matters
✔ Strengthens and retrains oral muscles for better function
✔ Encourages nasal breathing, improving airway health and sleep
✔ Enhances speech clarity by optimizing tongue and jaw positioning
✔ Promotes better chewing and swallowing habits, reducing feeding struggles
If your child is showing any of these signs, OMT can make a lasting difference!