Orofacial Myology Is the Connection Between Oral and Physical Health

Muscles in Harmony offers orofacial myofunctional treatment sessions to help individuals treat tongue-tie and other oral disorders, as well as manage the discomfort these conditions cause. We see patients across all age groups, from infants to adults.

Oral health is connected to a person’s overall well-being in many ways. This is why we believe that if an individual wants to shift to a healthier lifestyle, it all starts with the mouth.

 

Our Mission

We aim to reach out to patients who are suffering from oral health and physical problems; such as, tethered oral tissues (TOTs). Combining our passion, knowledge, and experience in the field of orofacial myology, we strive to treat our patients effectively and help them enhance the quality of their lives.

We do not only treat our patients—we also want to make a positive difference in their lives. As part of our efforts in helping them attain holistic health, we work closely with multidisciplinary health care professionals as needed.

How We Started

Pat and her husband were unaware that their son had tongue-tie. He had difficulty eating and chewing, and he suffered from stomach issues. Their son’s speech ability was good, which is why they were shocked when they discovered that he had tongue-tie.

This experience made Pat realize that life can be easier if only people knew the root causes of oral health issues and addressed them accordingly. She then decided to establish Muscles in Harmony to help individuals that have the same condition as her son.

  • Licensed Dental Hygienist
  • Laser-Trained Hygienist
  • Infection Prevention Specialist
  • Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (COM™)
  • International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM)
  • Arizona Mission of Mercy (AZMOM)

About Pat

Pat is a licensed dental hygienist with more than 30 years of experience. She is knowledgeable about the head and neck anatomy and the connection between oral health and total body wellness. In addition, she has been an orofacial myologist for more than eight years.

Pat has gained vast experience in handling different kinds of oral health problems, that connect to physical health, such as caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancer. She has also learned how to care for dental patients, that are at high risk, ie, high blood pressure (HBP).

Apart from knowing the importance of oral health, Pat also understands how it can affect the body. For this reason, her primary aim is to prevent oral and physical disorders from developing in her patients.

Committed to improving herself and services, Pat makes sure that her education on orofacial myology is continual. By staying up to date on the latest practices in the field, she is able to bring cutting-edge oral solutions to her patients. Her goal is to provide them with the therapies they need—treatments that will address all symptoms and optimize her patients’ oral function.

When Pat was in dental hygiene school, she was at the top of her class. Today, she continues to enroll in prevention courses in dental hygiene. This is part of her efforts in making sure that her patients remain orally and physically healthy.

Pat is the author of “Please Release Me – The Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs) Puzzle.” This book can help anyone with tongue-tie who is also experiencing health issues. When you read it, you’ll discover how your condition can affect your overall well-being. A simple assessment can show you how they are connected.

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Why Choose Us?

Individualized Care

We understand that patients are different from one another. Each of them has a unique set of needs, which is why we make sure that the care we provide is not only of quality but also personalized. No matter what age group a patient belongs in, our staff members will work hard to manage his or her condition. We can treat anyone that may have problems with oral health and function, including:

  • Infants that have breastfeeding issues
  • Children with ankyloglossia/tongue-tie or lip-tie
  • Children in preschools that have open mouth breathing
  • Children with irrational behavior
  • Adults who are having trouble swallowing
  • Adults who snore, or have sleep apnea
  • People with tongue-tie
  • Adults who have TMJ disorder

The therapy sessions we offer also help individuals in handling pain caused by oral health problems without the use of medication. This way, they can manage their illness or disorder without having to rely on drug treatment.

We believe that communication is important in every patient-health care provider relationship, and it contributes to the success rate of every treatment. This is why when we evaluate concerns, we relay them clearly to our patients and their parents. We keep an open line of communication at all times so that our patients can freely discuss with us the treatment they or their respective loved ones need.

Many patients love the convenience of going to a home-based facility. When you turn to us, you can get the treatment you need without feeling the fear of visiting a dentist or having to tolerate medical smell.

Some Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders We Treat

Mouth Breathing

One kind of oral problem that is often overlooked is mouth breathing. This disorder is caused by an obstruction in the nasal passage. When treating this condition, we prioritize the airway, making sure that it is open.

Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie or TOTs is a physical deformity that limits the movement of the tongue. Children with this condition often experience difficulties such as inability to chew age-appropriate food and delayed speech development.

At Muscles in Harmony, we use myofunctional therapy to treat TOTs and help our patients overcome the physical challenges caused by this condition. In addition, we strive to guide parents on how to attend to the needs of their children with tongue-tie.

  • A close up of the lips and mouth

    mouth breathing...

Additional Myofunctional Disorders
  • A close up of the open mouth with tongue hanging out.

    tongue-tie...

The Benefits of Getting an Orofacial Myofunctional Treatment

Receiving orofacial myology treatment can boost one’s oral and physical health. If orofacial disorders are diagnosed and addressed early on, a lot of individuals can be saved from experiencing its negative repercussions in the future.

For instance, a young child who has received orofacial myofunctional treatment can have minimal problems with his or her facial development and dental eruption patterns. Adults, on the other hand, can enhance the quality of their lives as they improve their muscle health and oral function.

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Get an Assessment

Call us today at (480) 442-1590 for an assessment of your oral health and myofunctional needs. We provide flexible appointments and can work with your schedule. Upon request, we can have our consultation via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. We serve patients in the following areas in Arizona as well as internationally.

  • USA
  • Flagstaff
  • Mesa
  • Payson
  • Phoenix
  • Prescott
  • Scottsdale
  • Tucson