Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are abnormal movement patterns of the muscles of the face and tongue that may interfere with normal growth and development affecting breathing, speech, chewing, swallowing, and oral rest posture. Dysfunction and imbalance of the orofacial muscles can negatively impact breastfeeding, oral hygiene, facial growth and esthetics, stability of orthodontic treatment, temporomandibular joint movement, posture, digestion, sleep and more.
Common causes of OMDs include:
- Upper airway obstruction. Enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or allergies could all restrict the nasal airway. When nasal breathing is obstructed, your body adapts by mouth-breathing, which can change the natural position of your jaw, tongue, and lips long-term.
- Thumb-sucking or extended pacifier or bottle use. These habits can put pressure on the roof of the mouth causing a narrowing of the palate and an incorrect tongue rest posture and swallowing pattern.
- Orofacial muscular and structural differences. These differences could include delayed neuromotor development, premature eruption of upper front teeth that encourage fronting of the tongue, orofacial anomalies, and tongue-tie.
Symptoms from orofacial myofunctional disorders include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Tongue thrusting
- Teeth-grinding
- Facial pain/TMJ pain
- Neck pain
- Speech problems
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Digestive problems