Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD’s) present in a variety of ways, with different root causes and symptoms. As a result, I’m introduced to new patients through various channels. Some are referred by dentists, orthodontists or ENT’s; others reach out independently for help with speech delays or other concerns.
OMD’s are Alterations or Compensations in:
- Breathing
- Sucking
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Speech
- Lip Position
- Tongue and cheek posture, known as oral rest posture
OMD’s Can Negatively Impact:
- Upper airway
- Sleep quality
- Speech
- Facial and growth development in children
- Facial aesthetics
- Occlusion (the bite)
- Temporomandibular joint
OMD Symptoms:
- History of difficulty with breast feeding: Difficulty latching, decreased milk supply, mastitis, and failure to thrive
- Recurrent ear infections
- Picky/limited eating
- Open mouth breathing
- Head, neck, jaw or facial pain or tension
- Recurrent headaches
- Articulation and/or phonological delays/disorders
- Undiagnosed or diagnosed ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)
- Oral habits: Thumb sucking, finger sucking, bruxing or grinding of teeth, or tongue or cheek sucking
- Dental occlusion changes (crowded teeth, cross-bite)
- Orthodontia regression (orthodontics made teeth straight, but things are changing)
- Resting with lips apart
- Tongue moves forward during speech or swallow (sometimes referred to as tongue thrust)
- A forward resting posture of the tongue between or against the teeth
- Recessed lower jaw (mandible)
- Poorly controlled swallow and difficulty swallowing pills
ATLANTA AREA SPECIALIST IN THE TREATMENT OF OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS 