1. Comprehensive Oral Evaluation
A detailed assessment of oral health, function, and structure, focusing on identifying areas of concern.
Reason to correct: Early detection prevents long-term complications in function and structure.
How it affects functions: Undiagnosed issues in oral health can lead to difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or even breathing properly.
2. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) Assessment
Evaluation of abnormal patterns in facial, oral, and tongue muscles that affect breathing, swallowing, or speech.
Reason to correct: Abnormal patterns can cause speech difficulties, improper swallowing, and airway dysfunction.
How it affects functions: Dysfunctional muscle patterns may cause difficulty in eating, improper digestion, and speech delays.
3. Sleep-Disordered Breathing Evaluation
Assessment of breathing patterns during sleep to identify conditions like snoring or sleep apnea.
Reason to correct: Untreated sleep disorders disrupt sleep quality and can negatively affect overall health.
How it affects functions: Poor sleep impacts energy levels, cognitive performance, and overall body recovery.
4. Bite and Jaw Alignment Assessment
Analysis of how the teeth and jaw align and function, often related to chewing, speech, and comfort.
Reason to correct: Misalignment can lead to discomfort, inefficient chewing, and speech difficulties.
How it affects functions: Improper jaw alignment can cause pain while eating, difficulty speaking clearly, and even headaches.
5. Tongue Posture Evaluation
Examination of tongue positioning at rest, during speech, and while swallowing to identify dysfunction.
Reason to correct: Improper posture can contribute to dental misalignment, airway problems, and speech challenges.
How it affects functions: Poor tongue posture can lead to difficulty swallowing, snoring, and inefficient breathing patterns.
6. Speech and Swallowing Assessment
Evaluation of speech clarity and swallowing patterns to identify functional or structural issues.
Reason to correct: Functional issues can hinder communication and affect proper nutrient intake.
How it affects functions: Speech and swallowing dysfunctions make eating inefficient and can result in choking risks.
7. Airway and Nasal Breathing Evaluation
Assessment of nasal airway function and breathing patterns to address improper mouth breathing.
Reason to correct: Mouth breathing impacts oxygen intake, oral health, and overall well-being.
How it affects functions: Impaired nasal breathing can lead to disrupted sleep, dry mouth, and poor oxygen circulation.
8. TMJ Dysfunction Screening
Examination of the jaw joint for pain, stiffness, or dysfunction affecting chewing and speaking.
Reason to correct: TMJ issues can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and difficulty with daily activities.
How it affects functions: Jaw pain and stiffness can limit chewing ability, affect speech, and cause facial discomfort.
9. Digital Imaging or Video Analysis
Using technology to analyze oral movements and posture for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Reason to correct: Accurate analysis ensures effective and targeted treatment for better outcomes.
How it affects functions: Improper oral posture or movement patterns can lead to inefficient swallowing and chewing.
10. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers
Working with specialists like dentists or ENTs for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
Reason to correct: Collaborative care addresses interconnected health issues for comprehensive treatment.
How it affects functions: A team approach ensures all aspects of eating, breathing, and speaking are addressed holistically.
