Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

According to ASHA, orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures. OMDs can be present in both children and adults and can impact swallowing, breathing, sleeping, dentition, and cause speech sound distortions. Signs and symptoms of OMDs may include:

• Open mouth, habitual lips apart resting posture

• Structural abnormalities (restricted lingual frenulum, dental abnormalities such as excessive anterior overjet, anterior, bilateral, unilateral, or posterior open/under bite

• Abnormal tongue rest posture which does not allow for normal resting relationship between the tongue, teeth, and jaws.

• Distorted production of /s, z/ often with an interdental lisp

• Abnormal lingual dental articulatory placement for /t, d, n, l sh, ch, j/.

• Drooling and poor oral control

• Nonnutritive sucking habits after 12 months (pacifier, tongue, thumb).

• Lack of a consistent linguapalatal seal during liquid, solid, and saliva swallows.

OMDs are usually treated in private practices, clinics, or hospital settings. They are not usually treated in the school setting. If your child has difficulty with any of the above, contact us for an evaluation.