Early Airway & Orofacial Development
The Importance of Early Airway & Orofacial Development In Children (Ages 3+)
Healthy growth begins with healthy function. Early intervention can often identify habits and movement patterns that may affect breathing, facial growth, dental development, speech, and sleep, providing children with the best opportunity for healthy craniofacial growth and development.
Early Intervention Builds Foundational Skills Such As:
Nasal Breathing
Supporting nasal breathing requires a closed lip seal, suctioned tongue posture on the roof of the mouth, and a slow, controlled airflow.
Lip Seal
A correct lip seal means that the lips rest gently, and comfortably closed together without any strain, tension, or active effort from the surrounding facial muscles.
Proper Tongue Posture
This posture has the tongue behind the upper front teeth and gently elevated to the palate, with lips remaining comfortably sealed, teeth slightly apart and jaw relaxed.
Healthy Chewing Patterns
Healthy chewing involves a controlled and alternating pattern where the jaw, tongue, and lips work together with the lips sealed. This is supported by nose breathing.
Healthy Swallowing Patterns
A healthy swallow pattern is achieved when the tongue moves in a wave-like motion on the roof of the mouth, with lips sealed and teeth slightly touching.
Jaw Stability
Healthy jaw stability can provide a secure base for the tongue, lips, and surrounding muscles to support speech ability and correct swallow patterns.
Facial Muscle Development
Healthy development in the orofacial muscles are important for promoting the proper function of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw.
Oral Awareness
Oral awareness can help children recognize and control muscles in their mouth, tongue, and jaw for easier breathing, eating, and speaking.
What Does The Treatment Program Look Like?
Our Early Airway Intervention Screening and Mini Myofunctional Therapy Program is designed specifically for mature children ages three and older. Activities are adapted to each child’s developmental level while building foundational skills such as nasal breathing, lip seal, proper tongue posture, healthy swallowing patterns, healthy chewing patterns, facial muscle development, jaw stability, and oral awareness.
Your Child’s Treatment Plan:
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Follow your treatment plan. For Early Airway Intervention Screening and Mini Myofunctional Therapy Programs activities are adapted to the child’s developmental level and builds important skills like nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, healthy swallowing patterns and more. We aim to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your child.
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Recognize the problem. Early intervention is crucial to support proper orofacial development in children. Receive a comprehensive evaluation by our lead orofacial myology therapist to determine core issues and discuss the correct theraputic treatment program for your child. You will then receive resources to begin the program in the comfort of your own home.
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Celebrate your success! For mature children three years and older, you can ensure you get the best opportunity for their healthy craniofacial growth and development. Take your first steps on your journey to better health and tell us your concerns through the contact form below. East Texas Orofacial Myology is here to help you and your family breathe easier!
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Not Sure Where To Start?
We Help Make Early Airway & Orofacial Development Easy!
Finding reliable care can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know where to start, but we help make it simple!
If you’re a concerned parent looking for answers, our clinic can help you find them, making the early airway and orofacial development process easy and effective for your family.
At East Texas Orofacial Myology, we prioritize the overall health and happiness of our patients, big and small. Let us know what’s bothering you and we’ll walk you through a comprehensive understanding of your treatment options. You can get an in-person or telehealth appointment through our contact form or by calling our office at 903-504-8586.
