What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?

OMDs are disorders that indicate abnormal function of orofacial structures (tongue, lips, teeth, jaw, cheek, nasal passages). 

Signs of OMDs 

• Oral habits (Thumb/finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use)

• Low forward resting tongue posture, "tongue thrust"

• Tethered oral tissues (tongue tie, lip tie)

• Mouth breathing

• Reverse swallow when drinking and eating

• Errored speech sounds

• Disordered breathing and sleep apnea

• Malocclusion and orthodontic relapse

• Temperomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

What Do OMDs Negatively Affect?

• Orofacial growth and development 

• Airway competency

• Chewing and swallowing

• Articulation and speech intelligibility

• Efficiency of orthodontic treatment

• Adequate sleep 

• Oral hygiene

• Proper posture

How To Treat OMDs

Depending on the client’s goals, Orofacial Myofunctional Treatment may include:

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• Establishing correct resting tongue and facial posture

• Eliminating oral habits 

• Establishing nasal breathing

• Learning to chew and swallow correctly

• Correcting speech sound errors