REDLANDS, CA—A new business in downtown Redlands offers individualized therapy to adults and children who exhibit orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and are seeking positive change.
Redlands Orofacial Myology is now open! The practice is dedicated to optimizing the form and function of the oral and facial muscles and restoring healthy nasal breathing.
Orofacial Myology is the study and treatment of the oral and facial muscles and their related functions. Goals of therapy include rehabilitating healthy nasal breathing, correcting lip and tongue rest postures, normalizing swallow sequence, creating equilibrium of the oral and facial musculature and maximizing form and function for each patient.
According to the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), nearly 40 percent of the general population have orofacial myofunctional disorders, increasing to around 80 percent of children exhibiting speech or articulation problems.
Symptoms and concerns that can indicate OMDs include mouth breathing, oral habit(s), difficulty swallowing, tongue thrust swallowing, slow or messy eating, picky eating and texture aversion, open bite, orthodontic relapse, excessive drool, facial asymmetry, face or jaw pain, and sleep disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea.
“My goal is to help people of all ages successfully overcome orofacial myofunctional disorders and improve the quality of their lives,” said Emily Clawson, owner of Redlands Orofacial Myology and Redlands resident. “People shouldn’t have to struggle with these kinds of disorders, which can be mitigated through therapy that helps them live better lives.”
Clawson is a myofunctional therapist and practicing registered dental hygienist. She works with children, teens and adults who have orofacial myofunctional disorders. Her educational background provides a solid foundation for understanding the orofacial structures, how they function and how to create effective individualized therapy.
Therapy involves assessment, weekly sessions and relatively simple home exercises. The focus of therapy is to address concerns and challenges by retraining muscle relationships, eliminating harmful habits and improving function to impact overall health.
Redlands Orofacial Myology is the only business in the Redlands area specializing in the treatment of OMDs.