Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
in Cambridge, Ontario
Evidence-informed Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for children and adults, addressing breathing, tongue posture, swallowing, chewing, speech, sleep and airway-related concerns, TMJ function and orthodontic support.
In-person appointments are available in Cambridge, with virtual Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy available throughout Ontario.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
“Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is individualized neuromuscular training that focuses on the function, coordination and resting posture of the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles. Therapy may address breathing, oral rest posture, chewing, swallowing, speech-related oral function and other orofacial patterns that can influence dental, orthodontic, airway and jaw function.”
Meet your Therapist,
Registered Dental Hygienist & Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
I’m Kelly Hall, the founder of Back To Your Roots OMT. As a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, I work with children and adults to improve the function and coordination of the muscles of the tongue, lips, jaw and face.
My approach to Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is individualized and evidence-informed, with a focus on understanding how breathing, oral rest posture, chewing, swallowing and other functional patterns can influence oral, dental, orthodontic, airway and jaw health.
I believe effective therapy begins with understanding the individual—not simply treating a symptom. I work collaboratively with other healthcare and dental professionals to support a coordinated approach to care.
Read my article “Healthy Kids Need Healthy Airways” in the September 2020 Issue of ‘Oh Canada! - Oral Health Canada magazine
How Does Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is individualized neuromuscular training that addresses functional patterns involving the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles. Therapy may also address parafunctional habits that can influence oral function.
The Goals of Therapy May Include:
Developing lip seal at rest
Encouraging efficient nasal breathing
Promoting an appropriate resting tongue posture
Improving chewing and swallowing patterns
Developing better awareness, coordination and control of the orofacial muscles
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Is Not Just About "Strength"
OMT focuses on more than strengthening muscles. It helps the brain and muscles learn new, more efficient movement and resting patterns through awareness, repetition and practice.
Over time, these patterns can become more automatic, allowing the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles to work together more efficiently during rest and everyday functions such as breathing, chewing and swallowing.
Online & In-Person Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Technology allows us to offer our therapy services online.
In-person appointments are available in Cambridge, Ontario, while virtual therapy is available to clients throughout Ontario.
Virtual sessions allow us to provide personalized instruction, demonstrate exercises and activities, monitor progress and make adjustments throughout your program—without the need to travel to the clinic.
How it Helps Breathing, Sleep and Oral Function.
Breathing, sleep and oral function are closely connected. Snoring, mouth breathing during sleep and other changes in nighttime breathing can be signs of sleep-disordered breathing and may warrant further assessment.
Sleep-disordered breathing can affect sleep quality and may be associated with daytime symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, inattention or behavioural changes. In children, these symptoms can sometimes overlap with symptoms associated with ADHD.
If sleep or breathing concerns are present, appropriate medical or dental assessment may be recommended. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy may be incorporated into a broader care plan when functional factors involving breathing, oral rest posture, tongue posture and orofacial muscle coordination are identified.
Signs & Symptoms That May Warrant Further Evaluation
Snoring
Mouth breathing
Restless Legs
Clenching/Grinding
Behavioural changes or irritability
Difficulty with attention or concentration
Night terrors or frequent night wakings
Restless sleep
Sleepwalking or sleep talking
Bed wetting with children
Growth or weight-gain concerns in children
Daytime fatigue or difficulty waking
Symptoms of Temporomanibular Disorders(TMD)
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can present in different ways and may involve the jaw joints, chewing muscles and surrounding structures.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:
Neck pain or muscle tension
Tinnitus
Headaches
Jaw clicking or popping
Difficulty opening the mouth or yawning
Jaw locking or limited movement
Dizziness
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing can have a number of possible causes. Identifying why someone is mouth breathing is an important first step in determining appropriate care.
Possible contributing factors include:
Nasal Allergies
Nasal Polyps
Deviated septum or other structural nasal differences
Respiratory conditions that may influence breathing patterns
Respiratory infections
Allergies or sensitivities that contribute to nasal congestion