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

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.

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).

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.

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.