“Encouraging the right oral function is crucial in supporting your child’s early development.”
–Jennifer
At Myo & Me, we offer an Infant Orofacial Assessment for children under three years of age.
Infant Orofacial Assessment – £260
The Infant Assessment is held in person and lasts up to 60 minutes. Should a post-assessment follow up be required, these are charged at £90 per session.
The Infant Assessment consists of two parts. During the first part, we learn more about your child, their medical history, feeding history and other relevant information. During this Assessment we also observe the current level of function within the orofacial muscles and range of movement, to identify the presence of any myofunctional disorders or oral restrictions. We take a set of measurements and photographs to accompany these observations as a baseline.
During the second part of the Assessment, we discuss what has been observed and provide guidance in how to encourage the right function as your child’s orofacial muscles continue to develop. This may include exercises and other methods that can help to promote healthy oral habits, and support in preventing the worsening of existing, or emergence of new, myofunctional disorders.
Following the Assessment you will receive a report detailing the areas we covered during the session. You also receive email support for two weeks, where we’ll be on hand to answer any questions you have and review how you’re getting on. For some infants there may be value in undertaking further sessions, which we will discuss with you.
We are unfortunately unable to offer OMT to children under 3 years old. Myofunctional Therapy isn’t something that is ‘done to’ someone – it requires a partnership between patient and therapist, and the ability of the patient to perform and repeat the exercises themselves independently. This needs a level of cooperation and understanding that naturally can be difficult to attain with infants under 3 years old.
Collaborative Care and Referral Network
During the assessment, we also consider oral health and the influence it can have on infants. Educating parents in adopting the right habits when it comes to dental hygiene, with a focus on prevention, is crucial in supporting your child’s development and minimising the onset, and effect, of certain OMDs.
Where required, we can recommend a network of clinicians including those with a specialism/special interest in releasing oral ties, ENT and respiratory consultants, as well as bodywork specialists such as osteopaths.