OMDs

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Orofacial  Myofucnctional  Disorders (OMDs) are disorders  of  the  muscles  and  their  functions  that innervate the  face  and  mouth.   OMDs  may  affect  facial  skeletal  growth  and  development,  chewing,  swallowing, speech,  occlusion,  TMJ  movement, stability  of  orthodontic  treatment,  facial  aesthetics,  and  more.

They may  start with insufficient nasal breathing or with oral breathing.  The adaptation of the muscles and the orofacial functions to a disordered breathing pattern creates many OMDs.  They may impact treatment by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienist, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.  

Tongue thrust is the most common cause of OMDs.  In adolescence and adulthood, it can be seen in 30-40% of the population.  It occurs when the tongue moves forward and against the teeth instead of against the palate.

A low tongue resting position is another cause of OMD.  It is seen when the tongue rests against the front, sides, or between the teeth.  The low constant pressure will cause teeth to move and open up the front teeth.  When it happens after the braces are removed, it is called ortho relapse.

Tongue-tie is when the tongue is restricted by the small cord under the tongue, it forces the tongue into low resting position.  It isn’t resting against the palate to aid in nasal breathing, swallowing and maintain the arches as it should.

Another common cause of an OMD is non-nutritive sucking habits, like fingers, thumbs, pacifiers, blankets, and clothes.  The constant sucking positions the tongue low and forward in the bottom of the mouth.  Over time, this may cause a tongue thrust habit.  It changes the shape of the upper arch, making it narrow.  This can lead to crowding of the teeth. 

Infected or large tonsils and adenoid fright for space in the back of the moth and force the tongue forward.  Cosequently, the tongue is forced forward and forces the lips and mouth open.  

Stomach distress can be mild, as in belching or severe as in painful bloating.  This may occur if a patient has to breathe through their mouth while eating.  In more extreme circumstance, mouth breathing creates a siphon effect.  Acid is drawn up into the throat and causes swelling of the tissue behind the vocal cords that can be seen and feels like a lump in the throat.  This results in coughing and throat clearing, which can make things even worse.

SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING AND MILD TO MODERATE OSA

Recent research has shown that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (such as snoring), and improve mild to moderate OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).  When functioning and used properly, the muscles of the tongue, throat, and face, can reduce obstruction to the airway.  The stem of the problem in many cases is oxygen deprivation.  When we take in air through the mouth, less oxygen is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream.  Poor sleeping habits often result from lower oxygen levels.  In children, this can adversely affect growth and academic performance.  It has even been connected to ADD and ADHD symptoms. 

SPEECH PROBLEMS

A person with abnormal oral muscle patterns may suffer a lisp or have difficulty in articulating sounds.  If muscles in the tongue and lips are incorrectly postured, this can prevent a person from forming sounds of normal speech.  Some children produce sounds incorrectly as a result of OMD.  Sometimes speech may not be affected at all. 

TMJ  PAIN  (TMD)

Improper  oral  muscle function may additionally lead to TMJ (temporomandibular Joint) dysfunction and headaches.  When a person swallows using a tongue thrust motion it lifts the throat and pushes the jaw into the TMJ.  Also, if one no longer has a nasal breathing pattern but through their mouth, they tend to have a forward head position and use the Muscles of the their upper back to breath, this can lead to neck and jaw tension.  A high narrow palate can change the fit of TMJ leading to abnormal movement in the joint.  This too can alter breathing and swallowing.  Treating TMD is a multi-disciplinary approach.  OMT may re-pattern the muscle groups along with eliminating any parafuctional habits.  

HEART HEALTH

In Adults, poor oxygen concentration in the bloodstream from mouth breathing has been associated with high blood pressure and heart problems.  This constant and chronic condition affects the cardiovascular system and the heart because the smooth muscles that line all the arteries react to this poorly oxygenated air with a kind of tightness, and kind of permanent tension, which can be very stressful and depleting to the body.