The effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy in improving patients' ability to swallow pills

The data in this report was obtained from the clinical charts of 100 patients who had orofacial myology evaluation/ consultation and subsequent therapy in the office of the author from January 1990 through June 1996. Of the 100 patient charts which were analyzed, 39 reported difficulty swallowing pills at the initial evaluation. All 100 patients were able to swallow pills easily at the conclusion of ten to twelve lessons of tongue thrust therapy. "Ability to swallow pills" is a "functional outcome" of tongue thrust therapy. [excerpts from article]