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Uncover the Basics of OMDs:
What You Need to Know

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 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)

OMD’s Can Negatively Impact:

  • Upper airway

  • Sleep quality

  • Speech

  • Facial and growth development in children

  • Facial aesthetics

  • Occlusion (the bite)

  • Temporomandibular joint

❏ 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