​​What does Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders Mean?

  • Orofacial:
    • Refers to the mouth ("oro-") and face ("facial"). It encompasses the muscles, structures, and functions related to the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, and face.
  • Myofunctional:
    • "Myo-" means muscle, and "functional" relates to how these muscles work. Together, it refers to the function of the muscles in the mouth and face, including how they move and coordinate for tasks like speaking, chewing, swallowing, and maintaining proper rest posture.
  • Disorder:
    • Indicates that there is a problem or disruption in how these muscles function. A disorder suggests that the muscles aren’t working in the usual, healthy way, leading to issues with speech, swallowing, breathing, or other oral functions.
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What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)?

  • Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) involve issues with the muscles and functions of the mouth and face. These conditions can have wide-ranging effects, such as difficulties with breastfeeding, facial bone growth, chewing, swallowing, speech, bite alignment, jaw movement, oral hygiene, the stability of orthodontic treatments, and overall facial appearance.

  • OMDs frequently arise due to habitual mouth breathing or inadequate nasal breathing. Disruptions in breathing patterns cause the muscles and orofacial functions to adapt, which can lead to the development of OMDs. These conditions may affect the outcomes of treatments offered by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists who work with OMD-related issues.
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What Causes OMD's?

  • Breathing Patterns (Mouth breathing) 
  • Structural (tongue tie, high narrow palate) 
  • Habits and Behaviors (thumb sucking, extended use of pacifiers)
  • Developmental or Neurological Factors
  • Environmental Factors (chronic allergies) 
  • Genetic or Hereditary Factors
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Symptoms of OMDs

  • Mouth Breathing
  • Tongue Thrusting
  • Open Mouth Posture
  • Speech Issues
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Dental Issues
  • Poor Oral Hygiene
  • Jaw Pain or Discomfort
  • Snoring or Sleep Disruption
  • High, Narrow Palate
  • Dry Mouth or Chapped Lips
  • Facial Appearance
  • Excessive Drooling
  • Neck and Shoulder Tension
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Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

​Treatment for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) is different from speech therapy and teaches appropriate muscle function. You will be given exercises that focus on ideal swallowing, breathing and resting patterns. 
  • Correct Tongue Rest Posture
  • Promote Nasal Breathing
  • Reduce Oral Habits
  • Support Jaw and Muscle Function
  • Maintain Proper Lip Closure