Don’t miss this amazing discussion with speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist Nicole Goldfarb!  We discuss:

• The distinction between speech-language pathology and orofacial myology/myofunctional therapy (HINT:  Not all speech pathologists are not myofunctional therapists!).
• The fact that speech pathologists get little-to-no training in myofunctional therapy and how/why she became interested in it.
• How Nicole began to notice the relationship between airway and speech.
• That 4 in 5 kids with speech articulation issues have concomitant myofunctional issues.
• What orofacial myofunctional disorder is, how it presents, and what can be done about it.
• The importance of correct oral rest posture in normal function and proper breathing.
• The challenges associated with incorporating myofunctional therapy into school-based speech therapy.
• The impact of soft tissue on malocclusion.
• The proper referral process to send your patient to a myofunctional therapist.
• The multifactorial nature of myofunctional disorders and the importance of determining their etiology.
• The three systems that must be evaluated as part of a myofunctional evaluation.
• The relationship between parafunctional oral habits and airway.
• A typical course of treatment for myofunctional therapy, including the role of mouth exercises.
• The CAST program being developed by the ADA and how that can help parents become more aware of their child’s airway issues.
• What could make orthodontists more open to the concept of myofunctional therapy.

LINKS:

-D'Onofrio Article: Oral Dysfunction as the Cause of Malocclusion: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ocr.12277#:~:text=Conclusion,bite%20and%20hard%20palate%20collapse.

-To learn more about myofunctional therapy:

-International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM): https://www.iaom.com/

-American Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT): https://aomtinfo.org/

-Airway Circle: https://www.airwaycircle.com/

-Oro-Myofunctional Study Group (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/443131172546099

-www.TheOrthoCoach.com

-DOC FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1350463785569755/