Pat Pine with Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

 Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is the new practice that helps people with issues due to sleep apnea and behavioral issues in children. Today, Shirley talks with a good friend of hers, Pat Pine.

They will be talking about what OMT is, and how it helps with individuals breathing. Pat also teaches the understanding how the mouth works in everyday functions, and the techniques which she uses to strengthen the facial muscles.

Her training can retrain the individual’s old bad habits and turn them into new habits.

Patricia M. Pine RDH is a Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myologist, also a national and International Speaker.

Pat is helping the future, she is developing programs for dental professionals. Pat believes that we can never have enough information to assist our clients and saving their smiles also their lives.

Scientific research and technology in dentistry are constantly evolving, hence offering an incredible service to our patients.

Pat’s thinking is beyond the short term, bringing current information on the variety of detection and diagnostic approaches available to save lives as well as teeth and gums.

Pat completed her course work on OroFacial Myofunctional Therapy which is a practice not many people know about.

As a result, this can be a valuable service to many people. Pre-ortho, post orthodontic treatment, thumb sucking, TMD and nail biting. Unbelievable what this therapy can provide for a patient.

The tongue, most of all, is the “rudder” of the body.

Pat says, “I am very excited about helping children and adults in their best interest and re-educating muscles for a healthy lifestyle.”

Video Transcript:

Understanding Myofunctional Therapy: A Key to Better Health

Welcome to "The Spot for Health," where we dive into all things health-related, with a special focus on oral health. I’m Shirley Gutkowski, your host, and today, we’re going to explore a fascinating topic that connects oral health with overall well-being: myofunctional therapy.

Joining me is my good friend Pat Pine, a dental hygienist with over 30 years of experience. Pat has dedicated a significant portion of her career to helping children and adults through myofunctional therapy, and today, we’re going to learn why this therapy is so important.

The Journey to Myofunctional Therapy

Pat's journey into myofunctional therapy began when she attended a course on the subject. As she learned about the therapy, she realized that many of the disorders being discussed were issues her son had experienced as an infant.

Her son’s tongue tie, which was never diagnosed, led to numerous health challenges. This realization inspired Pat to create her own practice, Muscles in Harmony, where she helps children and adults whose facial and tongue muscles are not working in harmony, leading to various health issues.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a type of neuromuscular re-education that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face and tongue to function correctly. It’s especially important for children, as incorrect muscle function can lead to a host of problems, including improper breathing, misaligned teeth, and even behavioral issues like ADD and ADHD. As Pat explains, many of these problems stem from the tongue being in the wrong position, which can disrupt proper facial development and breathing patterns.

The Importance of Early Intervention

One of the key takeaways from our discussion is the importance of early intervention. Many parents, like Pat herself, may not realize that their child’s colic, sinus issues, or allergies are actually symptoms of a deeper problem related to muscle function.

For example, tongue ties can cause babies to have difficulty breastfeeding, leading to a cascade of issues that continue as they grow older. These problems can often be corrected through myofunctional therapy, but early detection is crucial.

Why Chewing is More Important Than You Think

We also touched on a modern issue that’s affecting children’s health: the prevalence of soft, pureed foods. These foods, while convenient, don’t encourage the proper development of the facial muscles because they don’t require much chewing.

Chewing is essential not just for breaking down food, but also for cleaning teeth and stimulating the muscles of the face and jaw. Without it, children may develop a range of issues, including dental problems and improper facial growth.

The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Orthodontics

Myofunctional therapy is not just about correcting muscle function; it also plays a crucial role in orthodontics. Pat shared a case of a 17-year-old patient who had spent thousands on orthodontic work, only to have her bite reopen after her braces were removed.

The culprit? A tongue thrust that hadn’t been corrected. Through myofunctional therapy, Pat was able to help re-educate the tongue muscles and correct the issue.

Collaboration is Key

The practice of myofunctional therapy often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including orthodontists, ear, nose, and throat doctors, and even cranial sacral therapists. This team approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed, leading to better outcomes.

A Call to Action for Parents and Healthcare Providers

Pat’s message is clear: parents and healthcare providers need to be aware of the signs of myofunctional disorders and the importance of early intervention. Symptoms like difficulty breastfeeding, colic, and even behavioral problems in school can often be traced back to issues with muscle function. Myofunctional therapy offers a way to correct these problems and help children live healthier, more balanced lives.

In closing, if you’re a parent or a healthcare provider, I encourage you to learn more about myofunctional therapy and consider it as a potential solution for children who are struggling with unexplained health issues.

For more information, you can watch the compelling video, Finding Conner Deegan, on YouTube, which highlights the dramatic impact of airway and muscle function on a child’s health.

Thank you for joining us at "The Spot for Health." Stay tuned for more insights into how you can take control of your health and well-being.