Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinic | Businesses

Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinic

Phone: 0423926236

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Medical and health

25.01.2022 Like you, I've read and heard a lot of advice over the past few weeks.. so I just thought I would pop this up to show WHY the precautions we are taking make sense! While telehealth sessions are not quite what we are used to (I love to see those gorgeous faces on screen just the same!) there IS a reason for this season! Stay safe, keep your distance, wash your hands... mouth closed and breathe through your nose ! The benefits are huge! Less air intake is needed BUT it's more oxygen rich and has nitric oxide as well...the healing systems of the body love nitric oxide! It is the filter nature has given us so let's get it working! See you on the screens (the one time screen time is awesome!) ...and Happy Easter to you all!

25.01.2022 Words of wisdom from ENT Dr David McIntosh... This is also the aim for every young patient I see at TOfM. It doesn't matter how or why you land on the (bright new ) doorstep.... Normalised function is imperitive to great health... and if clients are young the developmental benefits are significant.

25.01.2022 Dr David McIntosh has once again made a video for the community which is meant to be shared so the message can heard! This one is on iron deficiency... It's a brilliant explanation on why we ask crazy questions at dental or 'myo' assessments! Listen, share and act if necessary!

25.01.2022 A little extra to ponder!

25.01.2022 It's the ABILITY to BREATHE correctly that is often not recognized and is definitely under utilised! You've heard me say it before. The WAY we breathe affects so many aspects of health AND wellbeing. The beautiful thing is that as the body responds to improved breathing techniques, YOU really notice the difference! ... Did you know that the ToFM clinic offers breathing retraining as well as myofunctional therapy? Often they go hand in hand, but for many, addressing the way clients breathe is the key to their health improvement. I'm trained as an educator in the BreatheAbility technique/method to help my clients make the switch from mouth to nose. A gentle but effective approach that makes a BIG difference to clients of all ages. (I love sitting back with a smile on my face, listening to clients tell me what they have noticed.) The following article explains the benefits of correct breathing beautifully and is well worth the read! If you think that this is something you'd like to chat about...I'm happy to help too! Cheers, Cathy

25.01.2022 Here it is folks...a study (the largest of its kind) confirming what those of us who work in this field understand, and what we see for ourselves all the time....that if a tongue tie release is recommended for you or your child, the outcome is significantly enhanced when myofunctional therapy is included in the care plan. A connective tissue when released wants to....re-connect again! The supporting muscles need to be strengthened and toned so that maximum benefit is achieved.... Like having knee surgery and not doing the physio afterwards..it 'restricts' the outcomes full potential! It's about form and function.....and the results can be life-changing! Read all about it in the link below! There is a really informative graphic explaining the results in the article! https://docs.wixstatic.com//fd6d92_3efcaaaccc7e4256abad955

25.01.2022 WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU BREATHE? I really like this simple but clear description of SOME of the effects of mouth breathing in children. (You know, the same applies to adults as well!) Naturally, there are other benefits to nasal breathing apart from the curtailing the onset of dental crowding. However, in simple terms, this little video tends to explain several reasons why I'm passionate about evaluating every child that comes across my clinical pathway! ... When the contributing factors to dental crowding or airway issues are not evaluated early, they cannot be addressed early and can in turn progress to compromised systemic health and future growth and development. It's not always easy to simply say 'close your mouth and breathe through your nose' to a child when there may be physical barriers to doing so. Sometimes the problem is the nasal airway itself - even birth can do funny things to little kids noses, or they may already have enlarged adenoid or tonsilar tissue! Other times it may be the overuse (or prolonged use) of a dummy or thumb/finger sucking habit which causes the incorrect swallow pattern and lower tongue posture as described on the video. Could it be that a restricted tongue means that the tongue cannot physically rise to close off the mouth airway (called a tongue-tie) and so it stays low and makes mouth breathing the only option? There are often several contributing factors (and many more apart from the ones listed above) and the evaluation of the individual is crucial in gaining the best possible outcome for every child. Parents, (and grandparents, teachers, aunties/uncles and concerned citizens) look at your child....REALLY look at them! Observe their habits, and if you are concerned, seek early evaluation. It's not just about the crowded teeth, it's about ensuring your little ones (or older kiddos) get to live the best possible quality of life. In the world of myofunctional therapy, we have a saying...' Mouth-breathing is not normal, and definitely not healthy'! Cheers, Cathy

24.01.2022 Never miss an opportunity to learn! I was told this once and I never forgot it...looking forward to this journey and hope you will be too! A podcast to help you keep up to date and informed on all manner of things! available Apple, Spotify, Buzzsprout, Stitcher, Tunein, and others! Listen, learn and enjoy!

24.01.2022 I often chat with parents and carers about the habits that children pick up from seemingly ordinary things. Sucking and swallowing is a development process and ensuring children have every opportunity to develop the correct technique can help in the development of their teeth and jaws. This little video by Melanie Potock (an American feeding specialist) explains quite well the reasons why starting out with the correct 'teaching implements' is so important! It has some great ...tips and covers a few topics. As an Orofacial Myologist (and also a dental clinician) I see the changes that retained 'incorrect' sucking/swallowing habits have even in very young children. I'm also an advocate of early intervention to help avoid or curb the impact this has on teeth and jaw overall development and the impact on overall health and wellbeing. Have a look and see if there are some simple changes that can be made in your household! Let me know if you need any other tips!

23.01.2022 The powerful blog below is a parent's perspective of how sleep deprivation wrecks kids lives. Take note, and seek help if you even THINK anyone in your life needs checking. No referral is needed to make that first move at TOfM and I'm passionate about helping young people reach their full potential!... Feel free to share this so the rest of the community is aware! Cheers, Cathy

23.01.2022 I was looking forward to this all year...and now I've just finished the most incredible 3 days of learning, consolidating, discovery and connection! World class speakers, experts in their disciplines... congratulations to the AAOM and ASTLiT committee for a fabulous joint symposium! #perfectmotion2019

23.01.2022 Somethings just scream out to be reposted...this is one of them! The connections! The interplay! The effects! You just don't 'grow out' of some things, you grow with them. I don't write a lot about tongue ties, but today was one of those days when the impact just couldn't be ignored. Form (the tongue and it's limitations) and function ( how much it's activity is limited and the impact that has) was evident several times!... From tots to teens the impact can be debilitating. So many 'light bulb' moments for parents today! #ilovemyjob #orofacialmyologist #orofacialmyology #mouthbreathingawareness #sleepdisturbances #formandfunction

22.01.2022 Podcasts (like chocolates) are meant to be shared! I make podcasts so that clinicians can share them with their clients, and clients with their friends and family!... It helps gain better understanding on the messages we are trying to get across! Passion for health improvement has always been the instigator for clinicians who think differently. This week I talk with Dr Mary Bourke who is continuing on her late father's innovative work so that the clients we have today can benefit...and they do! https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/5459314

22.01.2022 Did you know I also had a podcast? Beyond Brushing - Optimised Oral Health Outcomes (affectionately known as just Beyond Brushing ) is where I get to pick the brains of the best I can find in the dental and orofacial worlds to share THEIR knowledge and MY passion for great health outcomes for YOUR benefit. There is just so much involved in orofacial myofunctional therapy ...and it does NOT mean you must have teeth! ... Myofunction (muscle function) covers a whole range of ages and stages of life and in the last two episodes we actually looked at dentures! Why? Well a good fitting denture, just like great placement of natural teeth can make all the difference to how you eat, swallow, speak and ...function! There is something to learn for everyone in these episodes so I will share the link here so you too can get enlightened while you commute, exercise, take time out or... peel the veggies! Here is the first of the two episodes! https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/3835640

21.01.2022 This post, from a well known Paediatric ENT, is close to my heart! I see this scenario often, and it makes me sad too! We have excellent ENT's here that 'get' the importance that airways have on a child's development and how much of a child's future is affected when things are not great...even in the very early years. A thorough assessment and a detailed report/referral presenting ALL the parent and clinician's concerns is paramount to getting the best help for your child (or yourself!). Medical practitioners and patients both benefit from this! Call or email if you have questions, but more importantly, please read what Dr McIntosh has to say below! Remember, don't ignore the snore..or the grinding...or the restless sleep..or the open-mouth breathing...or the delay in night training...or the morning crankiness...or...

21.01.2022 Every time I interview an expert in their field, I learn more get to share it with you too! Here is another podcast with some excellent (and maybe thought-provoking?) information gleaned from someone who has built her career around the field of infant feeding. Dr Cara Riek DNP, RN, FNP-BC, IBCLC, DABLS is a family nurse practitioner in Arizona who runs a busy clinic helping families achieve successful breastfeeding outcomes. She recognises the impact that a tongue-tie can... have for breastfeeding mums and bubs and helps them to achieve their goals in this part of their parenting journey. Here is the link! https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/4730471

20.01.2022 Today is Sleep Apnoea Awareness Day...an important day in history...well of YOUR history at least! Check out the implications of poor airways below! Symptoms like those shown here are seen in all ages. Better breathing makes SUCH a difference to systemic health...and can be life-saving. #dontingnorethesnore ... well, we certainly don't!

19.01.2022 "But I get 8 hours of sleep a night!' DO YOU?? What do snoring, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have in common? The short answer is that they are both debilitating conditions that need to be addressed! Not one day, or next week, or when you get some time ..but NOW! ... Why? Because the lack of oxygen suffered when your sleep is interrupted by snoring and OSA is damaging your health and well being every night. The brain and the body need the highest quality of sleep AND oxygen available....and snoring and OSA is robbing you of both. Sleep quality is not equal to sleep quantity and anyone who knows a chronic snorer attests to that! (You are both affected, right?) No excuses! Sometimes the answer is quite simple, and sometimes it requires some outside help and intervention....but it is SO worth it. The information available on 'how to stop snoring' can be quite confusing...and it's not a one size fits all solution. Does snoring automatically mean a C-pap machine? NO....working out what is right for YOU is the first step. I found the video below to be an excellent visual explanation of OSA. Breathing retraining can be a wonderful answer, but only after all other causes have been eliminated first. If you have any further questions or need more information or advice, make that life-changing call! In the meantime, sleep well and renew your mind and body!

19.01.2022 For the next three days I'm going to be immersed in fabulous information and education! ..and a whole lot of networking! In my happy place! #perfectmotion #orofacialmyologist #orofacialmyology #tonguetie ... #breathing #ilovelearning See more

19.01.2022 ON-LINE OPTIONS FOR TOfM VISITS!! Wow, what an interesting few weeks it has been! For many, life as we know it is changing rapidly, and it seems that it will continue to do so over the next few months. This season will no doubt be affecting the majority of Australians (as well as almost everybody across the world) in some way. It can be a challenging and stressful time (just like last year was for Townsville!) however, doing our best to keep a sense of normalcy can be some ...of the best medicine there is! For this reason, I would like to advise everyone in the TOfM 'family' (it certainly seems like that as we move through life together) that should the need arise for any of us to self isolate or be prevented from meeting face to face at our scheduled appointments, that I already have flexible online 'telehealth' systems in place, and am happy to 'see' clients this way to ensure care continuation. I already meet with clients across the world this way and while face-to-face is definitely preferable, I also understand that sometimes options are just not that easy! So, if you are in need of the telehealth option for your visit at any time over the next little while, please contact me so arrangements can be made in advance. Some folks (young and old) need help keeping their fingers and thumbs out of their mouth right now and others could do with help and advice on breathing issues to help keep them safe and healthy. Consider the online option if you would like to chat about this...but above all remember my prayers are for you all to stay safe, well and virus-free! Cheers, Cathy

19.01.2022 Breaking old habits and addressing incorrect muscle function during the growing years can make a significant difference to the health of a child. Orofacial myofunctional therapy, used alone or as part of an orthodontic or airway management plan, can have lifechanging benefits. Eating, breathing, sleep and speech improvements were noted in this young patient. Her parents were more than happy to have these pictures shared to educate others!

18.01.2022 This article is like a 'cost - benefit analysis' on mouth breathing! The importance of nasal breathing (and the benefits of doing so) start from birth and extend right through our life span. Is finding out what is preventing nasal breathing, taking steps to remedy physical problems and making the switch worth it?... YES !! I'm passionate about helping my clients get it right... for the physical, mental and emotional benefits explained below! https://www.oralhealthgroup.com//mouth-breathing-physical/

15.01.2022 An unexpected gift from a sweet client and her family! Fresh honey for the crumpets I randomly picked up the day before! Thankyou! #gofigure #perfectgift #lovemywork #itsthelittlethings

15.01.2022 Quality of sleep affects quality of life! Sleep affects every aspect of our health and wellbeing! Is the information in the link below surprising? Not to me!... Sleep quality is vitally important to great overall health and 'sleep hygiene' is constantly discussed with my clients. It's why I focus so much on sleep QUALITY as well as quantity in the clinic in all ages and stages of life. Restless, interrupted, sleep is not healthy... and here is another reason why! Live your best life folks!

15.01.2022 When I first graduated, and for many, many years later, we had no idea why kids were teeth grinders! We advised parents to try 'worming' them or said some kids 'just do it'! Here we have an explanation from Dr David McIntosh on this very subject which makes physiological sense! BTW, Stress and teeth grinding in kids is not co-related like it can be in adults, BUT kids (and adults) who have airway issues suffer more stress and anxiety! ... This is the other reason why a collaborative approach to health matters is so important! See more

14.01.2022 To vape... or not to vape? Is it really a poor health choice? This article explains some elements that are missing in the general dialogue we are often fed on the subject. As someone who understands breathing, who wants the best health outcomes for patients and is working towards this all the time... There is NO QUESTION to answer! Have a read and learn more! ... https://www.rdhmag.com//vaping-and-its-link-to-covid19-sev See more

14.01.2022 Kinda love our new sign! No excuse to get bored when waiting at the traffic lights now. You can now call up a podcast and go straight to that episode! This week is #8 on the subject of snoring! #heysiri #heygoogle... #heyalexa #beyongbrushingpodcast #tofmclinic See more

13.01.2022 So...breathing IS important, right? I know it, you probably do too but the ''how-to'' may be more of a puzzle?? That's why seeing someone who can assess you, your young one (or your partner) is the key to getting set in the right direction. No one case is the same as another, so nor should the answer be! So here is another podcast for you that may help in your understanding of the importance AND advantages of getting it right and optimising EVERY breath you take! Which is ...why I called it that! Tess has been instrumental in my education into breathing rehabilitation and, as part of my orofacial myofunctional therapy, I am committed to getting it right for my clients too! Treat yourself to a little more education by listening and learning from Tess and I as we have our chat about the BreathAbility breathing technique. https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/4577069

13.01.2022 A great read for those who have little ones in their lives. + LOOK at them eating, sleeping or at play, + LISTEN to their breathing night and day, +ACT if you have questions, suspicions or evidence! +REMEMBER mouth breathing is neither healthy or normal or too early to get checked!

12.01.2022 Mouth breathing vs Nose breathing? I'm passionate about the difference nasal breathing makes to anyone, of any age! To understand the health benefits more clearly out this video. And if course, contact the clinic if you need help!

12.01.2022 For all dental clients (not just clinicians)!! What is integrative dentistry and how can Teledentistry work in your favor? In this episode, Dr Christine May explains her unique understanding and approach to providing oral health care, and we chat about the benefits for patients. https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/4407869 #facewell #teledentistry #oralsystemichealth #beyondbrushingpodcast #beyondbrushing

11.01.2022 Happy World OM day! Breaking habits...Improving function...Changing lives!

08.01.2022 Some days the rewards come in small but significant ways! This is one of my little gems, a four-year-old who has recently been gifted a Barbie dental set. She sees me for general dental care and also for myofunctional therapy and is such a little champ ...BUT this is what I'm proud of! She named her Barbie after me, and tells 'Cathy' that it is important to breathe through her nose and where her tongue should be, to open wide and, well, has obviously got the cleaning down... pat! Thanks for sending me this pic and letting me share it too! I just love your work sweetheart!

08.01.2022 Unleashing Their Potential Every parent, educator and health worker wants to see children reach their full potential! It's what drives many of us to stick with a career where others 'fear to tread'! I've often said that working with kids 'gives me my energy'! However in children, 'reaching their potential' is sometimes thwarted by their inability to sleep and breathe well. We keep seeing the evidence in studies...AND I keep seeing the evidence in my own patients too! ... In the past 2 years between both the dental and orofacial myology clinics, I have referred over 150 children for evaluations...and I don't even work full time! Not all were recommended for surgery of course..sometimes there was a simple way to manage the airway problems...the important thing is that these children (some as young as 2) were evaluated and their health gains were significant when they received the correct care! The changes are REAL and the families are so grateful for the referrals and the changes they see in their kiddos. We are here to help if you have concerns..or need advice. In the meantime check out this study! Yup, the ability to breathe well asleep and breathe well is life-changing stuff! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30988963/

07.01.2022 Mark King teaching us on the benefits of playing the didgeridoo for airway health! The benefits of circular breathing. #orofacialmyology #breathingexercises #perfectmotion #ilovelearning

07.01.2022 It's been a while and we know that sometimes we have to work remotely, but I'm so glad I can get to see some of you in person again! We have plans and protocols all in place and now can do our exercises face to face! Let us know if we need to see you too!!

06.01.2022 Covid19. Oral health concerns in a time of change and challenge! https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/3151774 #covid_19 #oralhealthawareness

05.01.2022 Do you know what the brain does while you sleep? Many important functions of course. Here's one more.. . Everything that is learnt during the day is transformed into long term memory at night..and even more so in a well-rested brain. In a young and developing brain, the benefits are lifelong!... This is why every child I see is assessed for 'sleep wellness'! One brain, one chance to make a difference to your little superhero! Got questions? Ask away! #braindevelopment #sleepdisturbance #brainhealth #orofacialmyologist

03.01.2022 This is an excellent article explaining the 'growth and development' of a child's brain throughout the teen years. It also explains why any anything that may challenge the brain's 'pathways' also impairs the communication between the different parts of the brain. It why drugs, alcohol, stimulants (including popular energy drinks), as well as LACK OF SLEEP or POOR QUALITY OF OXYGEN (mouth breathing), has such a significant impact on the developing brain. Sadly the damage can... be permanent in the under 25yr old! Young brains become 'addicted' or suffer permanent damage more readily than older ones when exposed to illicit substances (or even the overuse of prescription opioids) and why it such is an important concept for parents and tweens/teens to understand! Fortunately, because we are amazing beings, the brain CAN compensate and re-wire (neuroplasticity) to accommodate these short or longterm challenges but it can take time and a ton of work. The teenage brain is a complex and wonderful thing, but does require understanding and element of protection as is goes through its development. Anyone who has come out the other side of parenting teens or young people will recall some of the stupid or mindless decisions that were made during these years! (The truth is, we probably only know about some of them!) If this article helps you understand your 'tween or teen, and in turn, helps THEM understand why their emotions run wild and their decisions are without regard to the consequences or their actions, then its been a worthwhile day! Teach them how they might need to 'reset' occasionally! This mum nailed it for every other parent! All the best in your journey! https://www.upworthy.com/this-mother-s-description-of-her-t

02.01.2022 Just published the latest episode! called 'Snored to Death. When will we wake up?' An insightful interview with ENT Dr David McIntosh. THe title is borrowed from his book 'Snored to Death. Are you dying in your sleep?' An insight (in everyday language) with information the whole community needs to know! This episode explores some significant health concerns we both have when the airway is comprised! Follow the link below or look in Apple Spotify TuneIn iHeartRadio Google. ++... https://www.buzzsprout.com/836449/3073597 #mouthbreathing #mouthbreathingawareness #snoring #orofacialmyologist #airwaymanagement #nasalbreathing See more

01.01.2022 This is a sweet and succinct little video about something I chat to clients about ALL the time! A simple explanation and reason to seek help and advice if you notice that things are not quite as they should be in your child. It makes so much sense (in every way) to address the problem early!... Watch and share! cheers, Cathy