Orofacial Myology
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), according to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, are “patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures, or call attention to themselves.”
Here are a few examples of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders:
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Tongue thrust (tongue between the teeth while swallowing)
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Mouth breathing (lips apart/mouth open at rest)
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Jaw malocclusions (such as an overbite, underbite, or open bite)
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Lip tie
OMDs can be caused by a combination of a physical difference in the structure of the mouth/facial muscles and patterns of behaviors over time.
Causes include:
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Genetics
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Orthodontic issues
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Thumb or finger sucking
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Prolonged use of sippy cups/pacifiers
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Structural abnormalities
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Neurological disorders
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Obstructed nasal passages (for example, due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or allergies), causing the tongue to be in an improper position
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more.
Most OMDs originate with insufficient habitual nasal breathing or with oral breathing which results in abnormal adaptation of the muscles and the orofacial functions. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
Correct swallowing depends on a proper relationship between muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. When a person swallows normally, the tip of the tongue should press firmly against the roof of the mouth or hard palate, located slightly behind the front teeth. The tongue acts in concert with all the other muscles involved in swallowing. The hard palate, meanwhile, absorbs the force created by the tongue. Because a person swallows 500 – 1000 times a day, improper swallowing can cause a variety of problems. But it is actually the resting position of the tongue that does the most damage because it is more constant.
Dental Problems related to an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder
When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. This is commonly called a tongue thrust.
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Tongue thrust is the act of pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing.
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The constant pressure of the tongue against or between the teeth will not allow the teeth to bite together. This is known as an open bite.
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An improper alignment or malocclusion between the upper and lower teeth can lead to difficulties in biting and chewing food.
Speech Problems that may develop from an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder
A person with abnormal oral muscle patterns may suffer a lisp or have difficulty in articulating sounds. If muscles in the tongue and lips are incorrectly postured, this can prevent a person from forming sounds of normal speech.
Improper oral muscle function may additionally lead to TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction, headaches, stomach distress (from swallowing air), airway obstruction, and other health challenges.
Sleep Disordered Breathing and Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Recent research has shown that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (such as snoring), and ameliorate mild to moderate OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). When functioning and used properly, the muscles of the tongue, throat, and face, can reduce obstruction to the airway. Many ADHD symptoms can be linked to sleep-disordered breathing as sleep quality has a direct effect on daily functioning and attention.
Benefits of OMD Treatment
Recent research has shown that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, improve functions for chewing and swallowing, remediate improper tongue placement thus improving teeth alignment, improve lisps and other speech sound errors, improve facial appearance, and improve picky eating that developed for a lack of oral coordination early in life.