FLOW MYO Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy services

FLOW MYO Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy services Heidi Lorentz, BSc, RDH
Focus on proper facial muscle function and airway health

I am an experienced Registered Dental Hygienist that strives to educate about the importance of preventive care. I take a special interest in identifying how oral "dysfunctions" can impact overall health in many ways. I have now expanded my practice to include services in OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY (OMT). OMT can help identify and address some issues that individuals may experience in regards to:

Mouth breathing
TMJ concerns
Improper swallow patterns
Poor sleep
Negative oral habits (i.e thumb sucking)
Other orofacial muscle dysfunctions

Please reach out with any questions/concerns and let me teach you proper oral rest posture for improved overall wellness!

Myofnctional therapy can be a game changer!
03/29/2025

Myofnctional therapy can be a game changer!

03/05/2025

Is it ADHD or poor sleep? Follow Dr. Soroush Zaghi to view a very informative short video discussing this! @ soroushzaghimd

Addressing airway issues and improving sleep can transform your child’s focus, behavior, and quality of life!

Signs like mouth breathing, crowded teeth, tongue posture issues, and worn-down teeth can all indicate airway problems that impact sleep, growth, and overall health.

By screening for these red flags, providers can help identify concerns early, refer for proper intervention, and support optimal development. Prevention starts with awareness—because healthy breathing means a healthier future.



References:
• Gozal, D., O'Brien, L. M., & Row, B. W. (2008).
Consequences of sleep-disordered breathing in children:
What is the evidence? Pediatrics, 122(3), 661-668. https:// doi.org/10.1542/peds.2008-1182
• Bonnin, M., Guilleminault, C., & Powell, N. (2019). The impact of sleep-disordered breathing on children's neurocognitive development. Sleep Medicine, 58, 45-50.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2019.03.021
• Sedky, K., Bennett, D. S., & Carvalho, K. S. (2014).
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep disordered breathing in pediatric populations: A meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine, 15(2), 168-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.sleep.2013.08.786
• Youssef, N. A., Ege, M., Angly, S. S., Strauss, J. L., & Marx, C. E. (2011). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep-disordered breathing in children. The Scientific World Journal, 11, 2531-2538. https://doi.org/10.1100/2011/276895

12/31/2024
Such a great explanation!
12/09/2024

Such a great explanation!

Low tongue posture can lead to health issues throughout the body. The tongue is an organ that guides the digestive process, and is critical for both neural signals in the brain.⠀

When you swallow incorrectly, it deforms the dental arch. In kids we can see ‘open bites’ or high arched palates that indicate the tongue isn’t making proper connection to the roof of the mouth.⠀

Mouth breathing (even at night), an incorrect tongue resting posture, or an improper swallowing pattern can all contribute to the vagus nerve not being correctly stimulated.⠀

The vagus nerve is one of the primary parasympathetic cranial nerves and drives the digestive system.⠀

Correct swallowing activates rest and digest messages that must begin in the mouth.⠀

During these times, the glands relax and release saliva for digestion, and the body sends hormonal signals reading the body to absorb.⠀

These are the activities that happen when the body is resting and unstressed, particularly after we eat and when we sleep. The sympathetic nervous system on the other hand stimulates the activities that are connected to the fight-or-flight response.⠀

When we breathe through the nose, have the tongue in the roof of the mouth, and swallow correctly, the vagus nerve is being stimulated. But when we don’t, it can lead to low vagus nerve stimulation. This can contribute to the factors that are keeping us stuck in fight-or-flight, or actually put us directly in that state.⠀

If you don’t swallow properly you end up living in a permanent state of stress. This in turn can affect our digestion because after all, digestion isn’t a priority when you’re running for your life. Again, running or fighting is what this whole stress response system is designed for.⠀

How to start strengthening and reconnecting the tongue to the roof of the mouth:⠀

‘Table Top exercises’ are where you hold the entire surface of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Suction the tongue up and right to the back of the throat and hold the posture here. Hold for 20 seconds and rest and repeat 5 times.⠀

It feels strange, but this is how the tongue should guide the swallow response.⠀

Do you struggle with breathing?

12/09/2024

What Does the Shape of Your Palate Mean? 😬

Did you know the shape of your palate can impact more than just your smile?

A high-arched, narrow palate might be a sign of developmental issues that can affect:

🛌 Sleep: Narrow airways can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea.

💨 Breathing: A smaller palate leaves less room for proper nasal breathing.

🗣️ Speech: It can influence the way sounds are formed.

🦷 Oral health: Crowded teeth and jaw alignment are often linked.

How we use our tongue and the foods we eat during childhood play a huge role in shaping the palate.

👅 When the tongue rests properly at the roof of the mouth, it helps widen and maintain the palate and promote nasal breathing!

🥕 Eating whole, tough foods encourages proper chewing, which aids in jaw and palate development.

Learn more at www.thebreatheinstitute.com

I can teach you how to achieve proper oral rest posture. Just reach out!
10/17/2024

I can teach you how to achieve proper oral rest posture. Just reach out!

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, can significantly impact sleep quality due to its effect on oral function and airway health. Here’s how:

1. Restricted Tongue Mobility: A tongue tie limits the tongue’s ability to rest properly against the palate. This can lead to poor oral posture, mouth breathing, and reduced nasal breathing, which is essential for healthy, restorative sleep.

2. Obstructed Airway: When the tongue isn’t able to lift and position correctly, it may fall back during sleep, especially when lying down, partially blocking the airway and contributing to snoring or even sleep apnea. This leads to disrupted sleep cycles and poor oxygenation.

3. Mouth Breathing: Tongue ties often result in mouth breathing, which can dry out the mouth and throat, cause fragmented sleep, and increase the risk of respiratory problems. Nasal breathing, on the other hand, helps promote deep, restful sleep and supports overall respiratory health.

Addressing a tongue tie with Myofunctional Therapy and release can improve tongue function, promote better nasal breathing, and, in turn, improve sleep quality.

10/02/2024
09/04/2024
Thank you Dr. Johal for your experience and expertise!
07/05/2024

Thank you Dr. Johal for your experience and expertise!

I can show you how!
07/03/2024

I can show you how!

👅✨ **The Power of Your Tongue!** ✨👅

Did you know your tongue is essential for optimal craniofacial development?

When at rest, the gentle and consistent pressure of the tongue against the hard palate, balanced by proper lip sealing, guides maxillary growth.

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