What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) and How Are They Treated?

myofunctional-therapy
August 21, 2025•3 min read

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) refer to a range of conditions involving abnormal patterns of the muscles in the face, mouth, and jaw. These patterns can affect speech, breathing, swallowing, facial development, and even sleep quality. OMDs are particularly common in children, but adults can also suffer from these issues, especially if they have never received treatment for underlying muscle dysfunctions.

The term "orofacial" pertains to the mouth and face, while "myofunctional" refers to muscle function. When these functions are not operating optimally, they can interfere with normal development and everyday activities like speaking and chewing.

Common Causes and Symptoms of OMDs

OMDs are often caused by habits or anatomical issues that disrupt the natural use of the orofacial muscles. Common causes include:

  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use

  • Tongue thrust (pushing the tongue against or between the teeth while swallowing)

  • Mouth breathing

  • Tethered oral tissues such as tongue-tie or lip-tie

  • Structural issues, such as a high or narrow palate

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Recognizing the symptoms of OMDs early is key to effective intervention. Common signs include:

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Speech distortions (especially sounds like /s/, /z/, /sh/, /ch/)

  • Open mouth posture

  • Forward head posture

  • Snoring or poor sleep

  • Chronic drooling or dry lips

  • Facial asymmetry or elongated facial growth

Diagnosis of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Diagnosing OMDs typically involves a team of professionals, including speech-language pathologists, orthodontists, ENTs (ear, nose, and throat doctors), and myofunctional therapists. A comprehensive evaluation will assess breathing patterns, oral rest posture, chewing and swallowing mechanics, and speech articulation. This holistic approach ensures that the root causes are identified, not just the symptoms.

Treatment Options for OMDs

One of the most effective treatments for OMDs is orofacial therapy, specifically myofunctional therapy exercises. These exercises are designed to retrain the muscles of the face and mouth to function properly. Just as physical therapy helps to strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the body, orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on developing proper muscle function for the orofacial complex.

Myofunctional Therapy Exercises

Myofunctional therapy exercises are individualized based on the patient's specific needs, but generally focus on four major goals:

  1. Correct Tongue Posture: The tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth when not eating or speaking. Exercises may include tongue lifts or palatal suctions to strengthen this habit.

  2. Closed-Lip Posture: Maintaining closed lips at rest improves breathing and facial balance. Patients may practice holding small objects like a button or coin between their lips.

  3. Nasal Breathing: Promoting breathing through the nose instead of the mouth is essential. Therapists often work with ENT specialists if structural problems (like deviated septum or enlarged tonsils) are present.

  4. Proper Swallowing Pattern: Swallowing without tongue thrust is essential to dental and speech health. Therapists may use water or food-based exercises to practice the correct swallow reflex.

Additional Treatment Strategies

Besides exercises, successful treatment of OMDs may involve:

  • Eliminating harmful oral habits, like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.

  • Frenectomy: If a tongue-tie or lip-tie is present, a simple surgical release may be required.

  • Speech Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can help correct articulation issues caused by OMDs.

  • Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, braces or palate expanders are used to correct structural issues resulting from long-term muscle imbalances.

  • Collaboration with ENTs or Allergists: Addressing breathing issues or allergies ensures long-term success.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Treating OMDs early can prevent a cascade of developmental and functional problems. Early intervention with orofacial therapy helps improve:

  • Facial growth and alignment

  • Proper speech development

  • Correct breathing patterns

  • Sleep quality

  • Dental and orthodontic outcomes

Even adults with long-standing OMDs can benefit from therapy, although treatment may take longer due to established muscle habits.

Conclusion

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) may be subtle at first, but their long-term effects on health, development, and quality of life are significant. Through specialized myofunctional therapy exercises and orofacial therapy, patients can retrain their muscles, eliminate bad habits, and restore healthy facial and oral function. If you or your child exhibits signs of OMD, it’s important to consult a trained orofacial myofunctional therapist for evaluation and personalized care. Early treatment leads to better outcomes and can positively impact everything from facial aesthetics to breathing, sleep, and speech.

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