WHAT IS AN OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER (OMD)?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) happens when there is abnormal development of the orofacial structures such as the tongue and mouth, resulting in dysfunction of the lip, jaw, tongue position and movements at rest, unhealthy swallowing pattern or speech issues.
WHAT CAUSES AN OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER?
- Non-nutritive sucking habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking
- Pacifier use
- Tethered oral tissues such as tongue-tie or lip-tie
- Anatomical or structural obstruction such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, deviated septum
- Allergies
- Hereditary predisposition
ORIGIN OF OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER
Muscle movement and structural growth are dependent upon one another. Use of these muscles begins with the swallow in utero and their dysfunction may appear once breastfeeding begins. Any abnormality early in life can affect function and habits later on in life. These abnormalities cause orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). If we have the right tension on these muscles then the forces acting on our face tend to be more balanced. In the growing face especially, these forces contribute to bone growth via the pull of the muscles on the bone.
SIGNS OF OMDs
- Tongue thrust
- Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)
- Mouth breathing
- Low tongue posture
- Snoring
- Anterior open bite
- Drooling
- Open mouth posture
- Clenching or teeth grinding
- Lip incompetence
- High and narrow palatal arch
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Nasal congestion
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THERAPY?
Success in therapy is dependent upon consistent daily exercise until proper muscle function is restored and maintained. It takes time, persistence, and commitment from the patient and family members to get optimal results. Complete and optimal treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach utilizing other healthcare professionals, OroMyofunctional Therapist being just one piece.
WHAT AGE SHOULD THERAPY BEGIN?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is recommended for ages 5 years and older. If a child is younger than 5 years old, they will still participate in therapeutic techniques to target normalization of oral function, the therapeutic treatment will be tailored to their age and needs.
MINI MYO PROGRAM
The Mini Myo Program has been designed for the kiddos and their unique needs. Children 2-5 years of age do not have the same oral facial motor skills as older kids, and their shorter attention spans also need to be taken into consideration. We teach you play based strategies to engage your child and help you incorporate the therapeutic strategies effectively. As part of this program, we may utilize the MyoMunchee device to complement some of the target orofacial and tongue exercises. The MyoMunchee may also serve as a crucial tool to promote healthy chewing.
