Chit Chat, Myo and More
Specialized Speech, Language and Orofacial Myofunctional Services
What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)?
- Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) involve dysfunctions in the muscles and functions of the mouth and face. These disorders can have a broad impact, leading to challenges with breastfeeding, facial bone growth, chewing, swallowing, speech, bite alignment, jaw movement, oral hygiene, and the stability of orthodontic treatments, as well as influencing overall facial appearance.
- OMDs often develop due to habitual mouth breathing or inadequate nasal breathing. Disruptions in breathing patterns cause the muscles and orofacial functions to adapt in ways that may lead to OMDs. These conditions can affect the success of treatments provided by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists who address OMD-related concerns.
When to see a Speech - Language Pathologist
- Messy Eating or Drooling: Is your child a messy eater or do they tend to drool?
- Mouth Breathing: Habitual breathing through the mouth rather than the nose, even when at rest.
- Tongue Thrust Swallow: The tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth when swallowing.
- Snoring or Sleep Disruptions: Snoring, noisy breathing, or other sleep issues that might be related to tongue or mouth positioning.
- Concerns About Speech Development: Are you worried that your child isn’t speaking or communicating as much as they should for their age?
- Difficulty Being Understood: Is your child hard to understand, or do they struggle with certain sounds, making it difficult for others to comprehend their speech?
- Challenges with Sound Processing and Hearing: Are there concerns about how well your child hears or processes sounds, or do they have trouble remembering what they just heard?
- Difficulty Following Instructions: Is your child struggling to understand and follow directions, especially in classroom settings?
- Frustration in Communication: Does your child seem overly frustrated when trying to express their wants and needs?
- Challenges with Reading Comprehension: Is your child having trouble reading or understanding what they have read?
- Difficulty with Sequencing and Storytelling: Does your child struggle to sequence events, tell stories, or organize their thoughts to describe an event?