Therapy for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Rocky River, OH

What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth that can negatively impact the development and function of orofacial structures in children.

Common Signs of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

Signs that your child may have an OMD include:

Mouth breathing
Tongue thrusting
Messy eating
Speech difficulties
Excess saliva
Poor oral hygiene and cavities

Because OMDs cause abnormal movement patterns in the face, it’s important to address potential signs. Failure to do so may lead to:

Improper development and alignment of oral structures
Speech impediment
Blocked airways
Irregular mouth-breathing patterns
Disrupted chewing and swallowing
Prolonged orthodontic treatment
Impacted jaw alignment and stability

When to Begin Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

It’s never too late to begin treatment for OMDs! Typically, we start the treatment process for patients as young as four or five years old. If any medically related or digit sucking concerns arise, intervention may begin sooner. Patients of all ages can benefit from therapy. An initial assessment appointment will help us identify any underlying issues and will determine if therapy is needed. Other factors to consider include:

Evaluation of medical, dental, and speech history
Patient’s age
School and other obligations
Cooperation of patient and family
Commitment to therapy plan

OMDs and Speech

Not every individual with a speech disorder will have a coinciding myofunctional disorder; however, it is possible to have an OMD in conjunction with a speech disorder. When a speech disorder is present with an underlying OMD, speech therapy can be compromised. The enunciation of certain sounds – r, t, d, n, l, s, sh, ch, j – may happen when the tongue is resting low and placed forward. Without proper treatment, however, the enunciation and mobility of these sounds in conversational speech may become problematic.

OMDs and Digit Sucking

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA) agree that after the age of three, persistent digit sucking needs to be addressed. Complications of digit sucking can include:

Possibility of malocclusion
Creation of a high, narrow palate due to pressure of thumb against roof of mouth
Anchored tongue with a forward rest posture
Abnormal tongue patterns
Compromised respiratory patterns
Obstruction of facial structure and growth patterns

Other Medical Impacts of OMDs

Allergists are concerned about the airways of patients. Those who have inflamed nasal or oral cavities typically develop irregular breathing patterns.

Dentists provide preventative care to stop behaviors that cause dental concerns. Early identification of OMDs is important to allow for normal development of the teeth and jaw.

ENTs are also concerned about airways. Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or irregular structures can negatively impact craniofacial development and breathing.

Oral surgeons are concerned about the stabilization of oral structures. OMDs are commonly associated with tongue ties and lip ties.

Orthodontists focus on the alignment of teeth. Misalignment of the mouth can cause pain and disruption of facial structures.

Pediatricians look for signs of prolonged digit-sucking habits beyond the age of 3. This can misshape the hard palate and dental arches in the mouth.

Speech pathologists are concerned with patients who have OMDs that negatively affect their feeding, swallowing, or speech patterns.

Schedule Your Child’s First Appointment Today!

It’s the perfect time for your family to join the River Kids family – and it’s easier than ever to make an appointment. To schedule your child’s first visit to our pediatric dental office in Rocky River, OH, just click the link below or call our office today.

Location & Directions to River Kids Dentistry in Rocky River, OH

River Kids Dentistry is located on Center Ridge Road in Rocky River, OH. This convenient location offers easy access to families from Rocky River, Fairview Park, Westlake, and other nearby communities in Northeast Ohio.