Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex. The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances.

 

Examples of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders include one or a combination of the following:

• Thumb and finger sucking habits

• A routine habit of resting with the lips apart

• A forward resting posture of the tongue 

• Tongue thrust

• Other harmful oral habits

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What are some of the causes of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

It is often difficult to isolate a particular source as the sole cause of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder and in most cases, it can be result of a combination of factors. Many experts suggest that OMDs may develop as a result from the following:

• A restricted nasal airway due to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, deviated septum, and/or allergies.

• Improper oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, cheek/nail/cuticle biting, teeth clenching/grinding, and tongue, lip or cheek sucking

• Extended use of a pacifier and/or long-term use of sippy cups

• Structural or physiological abnormalities which may include a short lingual frenum (tongue-tie)

• Neurological deficits and developmental delays

• Hereditary predisposition

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How prevalent are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

Research indicates in various populations, a prevalence of 38% in the general population

to 81% in children exhibiting speech/articulation problems.

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Why be concerned about OMDs?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders interrupt normalized movement patterns.

Failure to address an OMD can result in:

• Long term mouth-breathing patterns 

• Detrimental oral habits that impede growth and development

• Atypical patterns that impact chewing and swallowing

• Improper development/alignment of the teeth

• Improper development of jaw growth and facial structure

• Slowing the process of orthodontic treatment

• Undermining the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment, resulting in malocclusion relapse

• Impacting the stability and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

• Speech distortions

• Affecting social relationships due to open mouth postures or noisy chewing and swallowing patterns

Source: iaom.com/faq