Symptoms of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Houston, TX

If you have a condition known as orofacial myofunctional dysfunction (OMD), you have a problem with your oral muscles, indicated by abnormal growth and function. Patients of various ages may suffer from OMDs, which may be accompanied by additional speech and swallowing disorders. This article focuses on orofacial myofunctional conditions, including their etiology, symptoms, and treatment options.

An overview of orofacial myofunctional disorders

A patient with an OMD may experience any of the following conditions:

  • Abnormal tongue and lip resting positions: Indicated with an open mouth or a low protrusion of the tongue in relation to the teeth
  • Incorrect swallowing pattern: Tongue position and function are both incorrect throughout the swallowing process. The tongue thrusts forward, sideways, or even between the teeth.
  • Oral habits: Including using a pacifier for a long time, sucking the thumbs or fingers, sucking the tongue or lips, or biting fingernails or lips.

Symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorder

Symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorder might vary greatly across individuals. Of the symptoms, mouth breathing, as opposed to breathing via the nose, remains the most common occurrence. Other signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

Lisp:  A person is said to have a lisp when they struggle with pronouncing or articulating certain letter sounds. The most frequent lisp is difficulty creating the 's' or 'z' sounds. The sound comes out sounding more like a "th" sound. This lisp is more commonly referred to as a frontal lisp.

Incomprehensible speech: In general, other speech sounds may be difficult for someone with an OMD. These struggles may occur independently or along with a frontal lisp.

Dental disorders: Oral deformities such as an open bite or a substantial overbite are some of the telltale symptoms of an orofacial myofunctional disorder. Abnormal dental arch and teeth formation, malocclusion, misalignment, and trouble with dentures fitting later in life are all associated with OMDs.

Difficulties with eating: Those who suffer from an OMD may find it difficult to eat and drink in certain situations. OMDs have a negative impact on one's capacity to swallow properly. This may lead to longer eating times and more food and fluids being spilled from the mouth throughout the meal. Patients may also eat and chew noisily.

Mouth breathing: One of the most prevalent factors of OMDs is the development of mouth breathing. It is normal for the body's natural response and adaptation to ensure that adequate oxygen reaches the lungs when nasal breathing is hindered or disrupted. Breathing via the mouth for a long time can negatively impact the resting position of the lips, tongue, and jaw, and this can have long-term consequences.

OMD treatment

The treatment for OMDs is termed rest posture therapy or orofacial myofunctional therapy. Postural and functional abnormalities of the face muscles may affect the proper development of the mouth and lead to aesthetic concerns and speech problems. As part of their treatment, a speech pathologist will give patients a specialized exercise regimen to help them improve their ability to chew and swallow.

Final note

Orofacial myofunctional disorder often begins in infancy or early adolescence. Early intervention can help prevent the issue from progressing further. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the treatment options.

Request an appointment here: https://smalltalktherapyservices.com or call Small Talk Therapy Services at (713) 471-9086 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

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