Did You Know?
Were you aware that orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can adversely affect the muscles of your mouth and face? These disorders can result in abnormal muscle movements that can impact your breathing, sleeping, talking, and eating habits. Research indicates that OMDs have impacted nearly 40% of the general population and more than 81% of children, causing difficulties with speech and articulation.
If left untreated, OMDs can lead to significant consequences, including problems with facial and skeletal growth, bite alignment issues, stress on the jaw joints, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and an imbalanced facial appearance. Additionally, OMDs can also interfere with your oral hygiene and destabilize past or future orthodontic treatments. It’s crucial to be aware of and address OMDs to prevent these potential complications.
Areas We Support Through Myofunctional Therapy
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): Targeted exercises to relieve pain and improve jaw function by addressing muscle imbalances.
Breathing Dysfunction: Retraining breathing patterns to promote nasal breathing and correct oral posture, improving overall health.
Airway/Sleep Apnea: Therapy designed to strengthen oral and facial muscles to support better airway function and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Pre and Post-Op Tongue Tie Release: Myofunctional exercises before and after tongue tie surgery to enhance healing, improve range of motion, and restore proper tongue function.
Orthodontics and Expansion: Myofunctional therapy works alongside orthodontic treatment and expansion devices to optimize tongue posture, swallowing, and breathing patterns. This can help support the natural growth and expansion of the palate, ensuring long-term stability and better alignment of teeth while preventing relapse after braces.
Kids Ages 2-4: Early intervention for young children to promote healthy oral habits, correct tongue posture, and prevent future issues like mouth breathing and dental misalignments.
Signs of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Low Tongue Posture
A resting tongue that sits low in the mouth can lead to improper jaw development and breathing issues.
Drooling
Excessive drooling, especially in older children and adults, can be a sign of poor muscle control or coordination.
Teeth Misalignment
Crooked or crowded teeth may result from an imbalance in the oral muscles, affecting how the teeth grow and align.
Thumb/Finger Sucking
Persistent thumb or finger sucking beyond infancy can alter the shape of the dental arch and palate.
Mouth Breathing
Breathing primarily through the mouth rather than the nose can lead to dry mouth, dental issues, and even affect…
Issues with Speech and Articulation
Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or a lisp may be linked to tongue or lip muscle dysfunction.
Droopy Eyelid/Dark Circles
Facial fatigue, which can present as droopy eyelids or dark circles, might be connected to improper breathing patterns.
Nail Biting
This habit may indicate underlying stress or oral muscle imbalance, potentially leading to other dental issues.
Teeth Grinding/Clenching
Known as bruxism, this can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches, often related to muscle dysfunction.
Developmental Disorders
OMDs can exacerbate or contribute to developmental issues in children, impacting their growth and behavior.
Tongue Thrust
A forward placement of the tongue during swallowing can push against the teeth, leading to misalignment and speech difficulties.
Behavior Concerns in Children
Children with OMDs might exhibit frustration, poor focus, or other behavioral challenges due to discomfort or difficulty with basic functions like eating or speaking.
Signs of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Low Tongue Posture
A resting tongue that sits low in the mouth can lead to improper jaw development and breathing issues.
Drooling
Excessive drooling, especially in older children and adults, can be a sign of poor muscle control or coordination.
Teeth Misalignment
Crooked or crowded teeth may result from an imbalance in the oral muscles, affecting how the teeth grow and align.
Thumb/Finger Sucking
Persistent thumb or finger sucking beyond infancy can alter the shape of the dental arch and palate.
Mouth Breathing
Breathing primarily through the mouth rather than the nose can lead to dry mouth, dental issues, and even affect…
Issues with Speech and Articulation
Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or a lisp may be linked to tongue or lip muscle dysfunction.
Droopy Eyelid/Dark Circles
Facial fatigue, which can present as droopy eyelids or dark circles, might be connected to improper breathing patterns.
Nail Biting
This habit may indicate underlying stress or oral muscle imbalance, potentially leading to other dental issues.
Teeth Grinding/Clenching
Known as bruxism, this can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches, often related to muscle dysfunction.
Developmental Disorders
OMDs can exacerbate or contribute to developmental issues in children, impacting their growth and behavior.
Tongue Thrust
A forward placement of the tongue during swallowing can push against the teeth, leading to misalignment and speech difficulties.
Behavior Concerns in Children
Children with OMDs might exhibit frustration, poor focus, or other behavioral challenges due to discomfort or difficulty with basic functions like eating or speaking.
The information on this website or any digital platform is not a substitute for medical, dental, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always seek guidance from your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or conditions related to your health or treatment.
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