Function is our focus.

Integrative, whole body therapy in Akron, Ohio.

Welcome to Smart Mouth Therapy

Dedicated to providing exceptional speech therapy services for all ages in the areas of:

Oral myofunctional disorders Pre/post frenectomy therapy

Feeding and picky eating Speech and language disorders

When soft tissue of the face, mouth, neck, and jaw aren’t working optimally, dysfunction and compensations can result. This dysfunction can lead to mouth breathing, poor quality sleep, feeding/chewing and swallowing issues, speech sound disorders, and ADHD-like behaviors. Long term, these can impact physical and mental health and wellness: anxiety, depression, heart disease, brain health, cognitive functioning, behavioral health can often be linked to oral myofunctional disorders.

Oral myofunctional disorders can impact health in surprising ways.

Understand the root cause and see if oral myofunctional therapy is right for you.

Signs and Symptoms of an

Oral Myofunctional Disorder

  • 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. Myofunctional therapy can optimize muscles function for jaw and craniofacial development, and help maintain orthodontic gains.

  • 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. Myofunctional therapy can help strengthen the muscles of the face, mouth and throat which can help you get a good night’s sleep.

  • 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, chronic health concerns, and anxiety. Myofunctional therapy and Buteyko Breathing Method are important tools to establish and maintain nasal breathing.

  • Breast-, Bottle-, Early Feeding

    Most babies start transitioning to solid foods around 6 months of age. If your baby is experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or transitioning to solids, therapy can help improve tongue, jaw, and lip function so baby can be more successful. Bodywork like CFT can help reduce tension patterns and promote nervous system regulation - both good things! Feeding should be a social, relaxed, and stress-free experience for all.

  • 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. Releasing the tie is sometimes necessary, but requires a team approach for best outcomes. Smart Mouth Therapy can help you navigate this often confusing process.

  • 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 and promote good function of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles.

  • 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. Retrain the swallow with therapy!

  • TMJ Discomfort

    Many nerves and muscles traverse the temperomandibular joint. Clicking or popping, or pain in this area is a sign of dysfunction. Myofunctional therapy can help provide jaw stability and soft tissue strength and endurance.

  • 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. Speech pathologists with training in myofunctional disorders have the skills to develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.

Feeding and Picky Eating

Let’s look at function: It’s the foundation.

As oral motor experts, Smart Mouth Therapy can assess and guide treatment to ensure your baby is on a great path for exploring and enjoying a variety of foods.

Speech and Language

Concerned about your child’s communcation skills?

As speech and language professionals, Smart Mouth Therapy can assess and guide treatment to ensure your child is meeting communication milestones, all through a myofunctional lens.

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 oral myofunctional therapy, 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.