How do orofacial myofunctional disorders affect your health?

You might be surprised.

Welcome to Smart Mouth Therapy

Dedicated to providing exceptional therapy services in the areas of:

  • Oral myofunctional disorders

  • Feeding and oral function issues

  • Pre/post frenectomy therapy

  • Pediatric speech and language disorders

When the soft tissue of the face, mouth, neck and jaw aren’t working optimally, dysfunction and compensations can result. This dysfunction can contribute to sleep breathing disorders, chewing and swallowing issues, speech sound disorders, and can even influence behaviors. Schedule a discovery call to learn more.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Crowded Teeth

    Narrow dental arches can lead to inadequate spacing between teeth. This crowding often requires orthodontic intervention to expand the palate and ensure there is room for a healthy smile.

  • Sleep Breathing Disorder

    Sleep apnea, insomnia, nighttime teeth clenching and grinding, bed wetting, restless sleep, and even acid reflux can be traced back to the health of your airway.

  • Mouth Breathing

    The nose was made for breathing! It filters, humidifies and adjusts the temperature of inhaled air. Breathing through the mouth can lead to abnormal facial development, dental disease, increased risk for behavioral and memory problems, sleep disordered breathing, and anxiety.

  • Troubles with Solids

    Most babies start transitioning to solid foods around 6 months of age. If your baby is experiencing difficulties with feeding, therapy can help improve tongue, jaw, and lip function so baby can be more successful.

  • Tongue Tie / Ankyloglossia

    A tongue tie, lip tie, or buccal tie can impact function of the affected tissue. Ties are present at birth and can impact oral rest posture, breastfeeding, orofacial development, swallowing, and even speech.

  • Non-nutritive Sucking Habits

    Sucking a thumb, finger, or pacifier can be a source of comfort to a child, but can also lead to a high palate and an open bite. We offer a remediation program to address these habits.

  • Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) vs Picky Eating

    Picky eater or reluctant feeder? If you suspect your child is having troubles with feeding, let’s chat! Early intervention is key to address difficulties from the outset.

  • Tongue Thrust

    A tongue thrust, also called an infantile or reverse swallow, happens when the tongue moves forward and pushes against the front teeth during swallowing. This can lead to orthodontic issues and speech distortions.

  • TMJ Discomfort

    Many nerves and muscles traverse the temperomandibular joint. Clicking or popping, or pain in this area is a sign of dysfunction.

  • Chewing and Swallowing Issues

    Do you have trouble swallowing pills? Is gagging or choking is a concern for you? Therapy can help coordinate your chewing and strengthen your swallow.

About me.

I’m Laura Uhl, MA, CCC-SLP, founder of Smart Mouth Therapy. I’m a graduate of the University of Akron with a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology, a Bachelor of Science in Russian Translation from Kent State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Dayton. I also hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and speech pathology licensure in the State of Ohio. I have extensive training and experience in speech pathology including pediatric feeding, speech sound disorders, and oral myofunctional disorders. In addition I have completed many hours of continuing education focusing on ankyloglossia, breathwork, craniosacral fascial therapy, and manual therapy.

Want to chat? Reach out! I enjoy collaborating and sharing with other speech-language pathologists, parents, and professionals. I served as a clinical supervisor in the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Akron, and guest lectured on the topic of oral myofunctional disorders at the University of Akron, Cleveland State University, and Case Western Reserve University.

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Your 15 minute consultation is free.