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What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?An orofacial myofunctional disorder describes any irregularities in the form and function of the muscles or the face and mouth. This may also include dental or skeletal structures that could affect normal growth and development. OMDs can occur through the lifespan, and may present differently in different age groups. For the younger child, oral habits and/or difficulty with feeding or chewing may be seen. In children, adolescents, and adults symptoms may include: - persisting food aversions - mouth breathing, - tongue thrust swallow - improper alignment/ posture -improper jaw growth or malocclusion -sleep disordered breathing/apnea -impaired speech
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Is a Tongue Thrust an OMD?A tongue thrust is one of the most commonly diagnosed symptoms of an OMD because most professionals can readily identify it. However, it may just be one symptom a patient presents with. A tongue thrust refers to the resting posture of the tongue against the teeth and the pushing of the tongue against the teeth during a swallow. Experts estimate that we swallow 1000 to 2000 times a day with between 4 and 8 pounds of pressure per swallow. This constant pressure can push the teeth out of place, causing an abnormal bite known as malocclusion.
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Should I Be Concerned About an OMD?The constant, improperly placed pressure of the muscles of the face and tongue can have a lasting effect. They can cause significant problems with a person's dental health, speech, and cosmetic appearance. Misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion) can also cause patients to become more susceptible to periodontal disease or “gum disease.” Malocclusion also can cause “jaw joint” problems, facial pain, difficulty biting or chewing food, and excessive grinding of the teeth (bruxing).
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Why Does An OMD Happen?Usually there is not one cause of an OMD, rather several contributing factors may be involved. Some of these may include prolonged oral habits ( thumb, finger, pacifier use), airway obstruction either from enlarged tonsils/ adenoids or nasal cavity, allergies, structural abnormalities such as tied oral tethers ("TOT's" including a short lingual or labial frenulum) or a narrow, high palate.
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What Can I Do About an OMD?Effectively correcting an OMD requires an interdisciplinary approach. The best results are almost always achieved by working with a team of experts that may include an orthodontist, dentist, pediatrician, ENT, oral surgeon, and physical therapist trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy. Even with the work of an orthodontist and dentist to correct problems that have already occurred, the habit at the root of the issue must be addressed to prevent further complications and promote long-term success with your orthodontic investments. Through programs such as Tongue Tips. therapists work to re-train the muscles of the face and tongue for proper posture at rest, during speech and during swallowing. Patients are able to simply and effectively eliminate the long term problems associated with an OMD.
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What is thumb sucking?Thumb or finger sucking is a common sight among babies and small children. Infants are born with a natural urge to suck their thumbs, which usually decreases aer they reach the age of 6 months. Some children, however, continue to suck their thumbs or fingers to soothe themselves. Thumb sucking can quickly become a habit in children who do so when they feel impatient, scared, hungry, tired, or bored.
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What’s wrong with thumb sucking?Although not considered a serious problem by many as far as habits are concerned, if thumb or finger sucking persists longer than it should, some not-so-pleasant problems develop. Thumb sucking can speed up the growth of the upper jaw, slow down the growth of the lower jaw, and cause improper alignment of the teeth. Other long-term complications may also develop. Constant pressure by the thumb or fingers can cause a high narrow palate, early loss of baby teeth, abnormal swallowing paerns, improper tongue position, and speech problems. Children who can break the habit typically enjoy an improved appearance, an ability to speak more clearly, and better dental health.
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When is the best time to break the habit?The best time to break the habit is before the permanent teeth grow in, at around the age of 4 to 6. If your child is older and continues to suck their thumb or fingers, don’t worry! Therapy performed by a qualified speech pathologist with training in orofacial myology can usually begin to reverse the negative effects of thumb or finger sucking in just a few weeks – so you can give your child a umbs Up!
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What is the best way to help my child stopthumb sucking?Some methods are better than others. The therapy known as behavioral modication has proven at least 90% effective. Instead of using negative reinforcement (such as with an appliance) to break the habit, positive reinforcement establishes self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in your child. The Thumbs Up! Thumb Sucking Elimination Program uses the power of positive reinforcement as a motivator, allowing your child to take charge of breaking his or her own habit with guidance and support from both the therapist and parents. The program creates a sense of self-satisfaction that quickly and effectively replaces the child’s thumb or finger sucking desire.
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