ORAL DISORDERS

Oral Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

The oral and facial muscles work together to help us eat, speak and breathe normally. Having an oral myofunctional disorder, or OMD, can impact the normal growth and development of oral and facial muscles. The lack of tone or the underdevelopment of this system of muscles can impact speech development, increase mouth breathing, cause malocclusion (underbite, overbite and other dental problems) as well as sleep disorders. Children are not the only people affected by OMDs — they can occur in teens and adults as well. Often the most significant symptom of an OMD in an adult is obstructive sleep apnea. Myofunctional therapy can treat sleep apnea by strengthening the muscles of the oropharynx (mouth and throat) allowing the airway to stay open during sleep.

As parents, we want the best for our children; therefore It is helpful to be advised of the signs and symptoms of OMDs. Addressing OMD issues early and seeking treatment for your child will have lifelong benefits. Some signs of OMDs include:

• Mouth breathing
• Limited tongue movement
• Difficulty eating (for babies or younger children)
• Overbite, underbite or other dental problems
• Pacifier use, thumb sucking or extended sippy cup use past the age of 3
• Drooling past age 2
• Difficulty saying sounds like s, sh, j
• Struggles to close lips to swallow
• Mouth and jaw in an open position at rest