Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder Therapy
What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD)?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders include one or more of the following:
Chronic Non-Nutritive Habit patterns such as digit sucking, tongue sucking, lip sucking, cheek sucking, sucking habits with objects i.e., Pacifier, Blanket, Pencil Etc.
Poor oral rest posture (i.e. sitting with the mouth open and tongue low and forward.)
Tongue thrust during speak and/or swallowing (i.e., tongue moving forward or laterally during between the teeth.)
What is proper oral rest posture?
Proper oral rest posture includes: lips together, nasal breathing, slightly parted tongue resting on the roof of the mouth.
What causes an OMD?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are multifactorial and are inclusive of anything that impacts the tongue from habituating an oral resting position of a light suction to the upper palate with lips closed and opens the teeth beyond a natural resting position. If something effects the normal development of the dental arches or the position of the teeth, an OMD can occur. The most common precipitating factors are:
Restricted nasal airway - enlarged tonsils/adenoids, allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or a restricted airflow through the nasal cavity can promote habitual open-mouth posture.
Oral habits such as prolonged digit sucking, cheek/nail biting, tooth clenching etc.
Structural abnormalities - restricted tongue mobility, Macroglossia (abnormally large tongue - Very rare) or Micrognathia (Abnormally small jaw.)
Neurological or developmental abnormalities.