What is AOMT and How Can It Help?
The Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) provides specialized training in identifying and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). These disorders can affect a child’s ability to speak, eat, and breathe properly due to dysfunction in tongue, lip, and jaw movement.
AOMT-trained therapists use evidence-based techniques to strengthen and retrain oral muscles, ensuring optimal function. Therapy may involve targeted exercises, breathing techniques, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to address underlying issues such as tongue-ties, improper swallowing patterns, and airway concerns.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from AOMT Therapy
Orofacial myofunctional disorders can impact many aspects of a child’s development. Some common signs that indicate a child may need AOMT therapy include:
- Feeding Issues: Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or transitioning to solid foods
- Speech Difficulties: Trouble articulating certain sounds due to improper tongue or jaw placement
- Mouth Breathing: Chronic open-mouth posture, snoring, or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie: Restricted tongue or lip movement affecting speech and feeding
- Dental & Orthodontic Concerns: Tongue thrust, improper bite alignment, or prolonged pacifier/thumb-sucking habits
- Sleep Disruptions: Frequent waking, restless sleep, or possible signs of sleep-disordered breathing
When to Seek Help
Early intervention is crucial in addressing OMDs before they cause long-term issues with speech, feeding, or dental development. Seeking therapy can:
- Improve tongue and lip mobility for clearer speech
- Enhance proper chewing and swallowing techniques
- Support nasal breathing for better oxygenation and sleep quality
- Prevent orthodontic issues caused by improper tongue posture
Addressing orofacial myofunctional concerns early can lead to improved overall health, communication, and feeding success.
How an AOMT-Trained Therapist Can Make a Difference
AOMT-trained therapists use targeted techniques to restore optimal oral function. Key benefits include:
Strengthening Orofacial Muscles
Exercises focus on improving tongue, lip, and jaw coordination to support proper speech and feeding skills.
Promoting Nasal Breathing
Therapists help children transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, reducing airway and sleep-related concerns.
Enhancing Speech Clarity
By retraining oral muscles, AOMT therapy helps improve articulation and sound production, especially for children with persistent speech errors.
Supporting Proper Swallowing Patterns
Correcting tongue thrust and improper swallowing techniques helps prevent long-term dental and orthodontic issues.
Get Expert AOMT Therapy in Southaven, MS
If your child is struggling with speech, feeding, or breathing due to orofacial myofunctional concerns, early intervention can make all the difference. Contact us today for an evaluation! Serving North Mississippi & the Greater Memphis area.
FAQs About AOMT Therapy
What ages benefit most from AOMT therapy?
AOMT therapy is beneficial for children of all ages, from infants with feeding difficulties to older children with speech, breathing, and orthodontic concerns.
Does my child need a tongue-tie release before starting AOMT therapy?
No, an AOMT-trained therapist will assess your child’s oral function and collaborate with the release provider to determine if a tongue-tie release is indicated. It is often recommended that the child receive myofunctional therapy pre and post release to maximize success.
How long does it take to see progress with AOMT therapy?
Many children show improvements within weeks to months, depending on the severity of their orofacial myofunctional disorder and consistency with therapy exercises.
Can AOMT therapy help with sleep and breathing issues?
Yes, AOMT therapy supports proper oral posture and nasal breathing, which can improve sleep quality and reduce airway-related concerns.
