By Angie Lehman, RDH, COM (with Joy Lantz, RDH, COM) — originally published in RDH Magazine.
Orofacial myology is the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing, swallowing, and overall health. Tongue thrusting is often the easiest symptom to spot — but it is not the source of an orofacial myofunctional disorder.
This piece clarifies healthy oral rest posture, why nasal breathing matters, and why IAOM certification (the COM credential) is the standard patients and referring providers should look for.