Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth typically characterized by abnormal lip, jaw, and/or tongue position during rest, swallowing, or speech. OMDs can be founf in children, adolescents, and adults. They can result from learned behaviors, physical or structural differences, genetic factors, and/or environmental factors.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Articulation concerns
• Dental abnormalities
• Drool and poor oral control past age 2
• Open mouth posture / mouth breathing
• Digit or tongue sucking
• Tethered oral issues
• Teeth grinding
• Orthodontic concerns
• Sleep challenges
• Messy or picky eating
• Difficulty chewing / swallowing
• Atypical tongue resting posture

Causes of OMDs:

Lack of nasal breathing is the most commonly noted etiology. However, OMDs can result from a variety of different factors alone or in combination of one another. The following are possible causes:

• Airway obstruction due to allergies, enlarged tonsils / adenoids, or deviated septum
• Harmful oral habits such as digit sucking, nail biting, or teeth clenching / grinding
• Improper and/or extended use of pacifiers and sippy cups
• Structural abnormalities
• Neurological deficits
• Hereditary predisposition

A Team Approach:

An integrated team approach is optimal in treating OMDs. Collaboration with the following professionals is key to successful treatment.

• Allergist
• Dentist
• Oral surgeon
• Orthodontist
• ENT
• Sleep physician
• General physician
• PT/OT
• Osteopath
• Craniosacral therapist
• Chiropractor

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