Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are incorrect, atypical, adaptive oral muscles patterns.

Examples of OMDs:

• Thumb sucking

• Tongue thrust

• Tongue sucking

• Lack of lip seal

• Low tongue rest position

• Disorders of chewing

• Atypical swallowing

 

The regular presence of these adaptive, parafunctional movements often results in a variety of problems such as :

• Occlusal dysfunction

• Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth)

• Failure to masticate food properly

• Messy or “picky “eating

• Speech problems

• Inflammation of periodontal tissues

• High narrow palate

• Orthodontic relapse

• Changes associated with abnormal ,vertical jaw growth

 

Etiology of OMDs :

• Tongue-tie ,lip-tie

• Overuse of pacifiers,sippy cups

• Difficulties in breastfeeding 

• Allergies

• Diet of highly processed food 

• A restricted nasal airway

• Improper oral habits 

• Neurological deficits and developmental delays

• Hereditary predisposition