The way the mouth, tongue, and jaw move and rest can affect speech, feeding, and overall development. Addressing these patterns early can support more efficient and comfortable function.

What are oral motor and myofunctional difficulties?

Oral motor skills involve how the muscles of the mouth, tongue, lips, and jaw move and work together.

Myofunctional patterns (also called orofacial myofunctional disorders) affect how these muscles rest and function during breathing, speaking, and eating.

These challenges can impact:

• Speech clarity

• Feeding and swallowing

• Breathing patterns

• Dental and jaw development

Signs your child may need support

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or managing food

• Frequent drooling beyond age 2

• Tongue thrust (tongue pushing forward when swallowing or speaking)

• Mouth open posture or difficulty keeping lips closed

• Messy eating or food falling from the mouth

• Trouble with blowing, sucking, or oral coordination

• Speech sound distortions or unclear speech

What speech therapy looks like

• Improving strength and coordination of oral muscles

• Teaching correct tongue and lip placement

• Supporting proper oral rest posture

• Practicing chewing, swallowing, and breathing patterns

• Using targeted exercises and functional activities

• Collaborating with orthodontists or other providers when needed

When to reach out

• Concerns with chewing, swallowing, or feeding

• Ongoing drooling or open mouth posture

• Tongue thrust or dental concerns

• Speech difficulties related to oral movement

👉 Support can improve both function and long-term development.

Serving families in Portland, Oregon

Oral motor and myofunctional therapy services for children in Portland and surrounding areas.