PATIENT EDUCATION

What are OMD’s?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are abnormal patterns in the muscles of the mouth and face that can disrupt breathing, eating, speaking, and swallowing. They can affect sleep apnea, facial growth, speech, chewing, posture, and orthodontic treatment. A common OMD in children is tongue thrusting, where the tongue is pushed forward during speaking, eating, or drinking. If untreated, OMDs may hinder facial muscle development and impact oral hygiene, posture, and facial aesthetics.

Diagram of facial muscles over a woman's profile. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy or OMT, Comox Valley, Courtenay, BC

Signs and Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs):

  • Chronic mouth breathing (day and night)

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose (due to allergies or enlarged tonsils)

  • Messy eating or trouble swallowing (e.g., tongue thrusting)

  • Speech issues (e.g., lisp, unclear speech)

  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use

  • Difficulty closing lips to swallow

  • Dental issues (e.g., crowded teeth, misaligned bite, orthodontic relapse)

  • Poor posture (e.g., forward head posture, slouching shoulders)

  • Restless sleep or sleep apnea (poor sleep quality)

  • High, narrow roof of the mouth affecting facial appearance and jaw growth

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