Oral Motor Dysfunction

Oral Motor Dysfunction

Retraining the muscles behind healthy function

Oral motor dysfunction refers to difficulty coordinating the muscles used for chewing, swallowing, and speaking — often showing up as tongue thrust, poor lip seal, low tongue posture, or compensatory chewing patterns. These patterns can quietly interfere with proper facial growth, dental alignment, and even breathing, especially in growing children. We evaluate oral motor function closely as part of our clinical exam, looking at tongue posture, muscle strength, and how these patterns may be contributing to a patient’s broader airway or orthodontic concerns. Treatment often involves partnering with a myofunctional therapist to retrain these muscles, supporting healthier function and giving other treatments — like appliance therapy or frenectomy — the best chance to succeed long-term.