If your child is having dental work, palate expansion or is preparing for or in the process of orthodontic intervention, Dr. Kirsty Greenwood (osteopath) can help support your child through this process with Cranial Osteopathy. 

 

Kirsty is also able to help your child through a focus on jaw function, tongue posture, and swallowing patterns that affect the development of the dental arch and alignment of the teeth.

 

This approach considers the entire orofacial system to support your child’s growth and development.

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Orofacial myology is the study of the muscles in the face and mouth. The tone of these muscles and the position of the tongue play a vital role in proper facial growth, dental health, speech, and breathing. Using an integrative approach, we work on retraining and strengthening the tongue, lips, mouth, and jaw through targeted exercises. Postural exercises are also key to supporting this process.

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During a consultation, we take a thorough history, perform an intra-oral examination, and may take measurements and photographs (with your consent) to track progress before and after treatment.

This treatment can help in several situations, such as:

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• After braces, plates, or teeth extraction

• Abnormal swallowing patterns (tongue-thrust)

• Thumb sucking or other oral habits

• Dummy use

• Excessive drooling

• Jaw issues or improper chewing

• Sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea

• Mouth breathing and open-mouth posture
   

Orofacial myology often works best when combined with care from other professionals like dentists, sleep specialists, ENT specialists, allergists, and those focusing on breathing retraining.

 

Kirsty works closely in collaboration with these practitioners to ensure your child gets the most comprehensive care possible.