Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
OMDs are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth that contribute directly or indirectly to systemic health problems. These disorders affect breathing, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene,
stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more. OMDs may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
Conditions frequently associated with OMDs
Some conditions associated with OMDs are Gum Disease (Periodontitis), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Sleep Disordered Breathing, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), Eating Disorders, Stress/Psychological issues, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, High Blood Pressure, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Malocclusion and Tinnitus .
Some common symptoms which OMT can treat include:
• Mouth Breathing/difficulty breathing through nose
• Jaw Pain
• Tongue Thrust
• Snoring
• Chronic Headaches
• Grinding
• Orthodontic Relapse – teeth shifting following treatment with braces
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Sleep disordered breathing
• Tongue-Tie
• Speech Problems
• Digestive Issues
• Malocclusion – underbite, overbite and/or misaligned teeth
• Allergies
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
Myofunctional Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of functional and structural issues of the mouth, muscles, face, and neck. Most conditions are not acute, but slow developmental conditions that create long term compensatory conditions. At its core, the therapy addresses the habits people have that impact function, form and pain scale.
Habit Elimination
OMT also addresses habit elimination of tongue thrusting, nail biting, thumb and finger sucking and pacifier use.
OMT Goals
To improve breathing, swallowing, chewing, speaking, functional posture, and overall quality of life.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy For Children
As children grow, oral habits affect how the face, jaws, teeth and airway develop. Not only does inadequate airway space impact quality of sleep, but proper breathing and oxygen supply is an essential part of optimal health and development. Sleep deprivation, bed-wetting, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and digestive issues may all have a direct link to poor breathing. Early diagnosis and correction of OMDs through Myofunctional Therapy can improve a child’s development and reduce many unwanted complications later in life.