What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD)?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) occur when there is a weakness or an abnormal lip, jaw, tongue or cheek position during rest, swallowing or speech. OMDs can affect people of all ages from babies to adults. Myofunctional therapy can begin as early as 2 to improve cheek and lip strength. More intensive myofunctional therapy is typically recommended for ages 6+ pending on maturity and cognitive abilities. A consult with an ENT, dentist, sleep apnea specialist and others could be recommended.

Causes of OMDs:

• prolonged digit sucking

• teeth grinding

• tongue ties, lip ties or buckle ties

• enlarged tonsils or adenoids

• blocked nasal passages

• anything that causes the tongue to be misplaced at rest

Signs if OMDs:

• open mouth breathing

• snoring or sleep apnea

• limited tongue movement

• messy eating or drinking

• excessive drooling after the age of 2

• tongue thrusts

• malocclusions including overbites, underbites and open bites

• difficulty on sounds S, Z, L, T, D, SH, CH, J, ZH

• difficulty closing lips to swallow

Benefits of myofunctional therapy:

• results in proper muscle function of lips, teeth, tongue and jaw

• proper tongue placement at rest can assist in proper nasal breathing

• proper tongue placement can result in better sleep habits

• results in teeth being properly aligned

• decreases the need for orthodontic appliances

• improves the clarity of speech

• helps maintain oral health