Oral myology

Oral myology refers to the postural training of the tongue, lips, and cheeks, emphasizing the harmonious functioning of these muscles. Primarily employed to counter the weakness of tongue and facial muscles, it has found utility in several therapeutic applications, ranging from speech therapy to correcting swallowing patterns.

Uses and Applications

Tongue Thrust and Thumb Sucking

• Posture Training: The foundation of oral myology lies in the training of tongue posture. It seeks to strike a balance between the tongue, lips, and cheek muscles.
• Tongue Exercises: Have demonstrated efficacy in addressing tongue thrust.
• Maxillary Expansion: A properly resting tongue against the palate can help in the expansion of the maxilla by exerting consistent force on the lingual surfaces of the teeth. Such an action can aid in rectifying crooked teeth and facial under-development.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

• Oral myology has emerged as a pivotal tool in managing patients afflicted with sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea and snoring.
• Through exercises, oral myology promotes the ideal position of the tongue, addressing issues that negatively impact the orofacial complex.
• An integral part of the treatment regimen for sleep apnea involves exercises that bolster tongue position and functionality.

Dysphagia

• The tongue's role in swallowing is crucial, aiding in the transport of food and liquid through the oral cavity and pharynx.
• Dysphagia, or abnormal swallowing, often stems from tongue muscle fatigue and weakness.
• Oral myology therapy, through tongue exercises, strengthens the muscle tone, addressing the challenges of dysphagia.

Speech Disorders

• Malocclusions can interfere with standard speech patterns.
• The tongue's influence extends to swallowing, speech, and even the development of jaws and alignment of teeth.
• Oral myology therapy targets tongue dysfunction, such as tongue thrust, making it a cornerstone in speech therapy.

Intra-oral Adhesive Pads

• Incorporating intra-oral adhesive pads into oral myology therapy is an innovative technique that facilitates tongue exercise.
• Demonstrated efficiency in treating anterior open bite malocclusion and thumb sucking, particularly in children.

See Also

• Speech Therapy
• Orofacial myofunctional disorders
• Tongue thrust
• Dysphagia
• Sleep apnea

References

1. Oral Myology: Techniques and Applications. Journal of Dental Science, 32(1), 15-22. 2. Smith, P.A., & Jones, R.L. (2010). The Role of Oral Myology in Speech and Swallowing. Annals of Speech and Language Therapy, 21(4), 305-312. 3. Martin, K. (2012). Oral Myology and its Role in Sleep Apnea Management. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 16(5), 399-408.

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