What is an Orofacial Myologist?
Orofacial Myologists (or myofunctional therapists) treat what are known as Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders or OMDs
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are compensations we have adopted due to some kind of disruption within the development of the face, airway, and eruption of the teeth. These may include:
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Thumb and finger sucking habits
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A habit of resting with the lips apart
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Mouth breathing due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids
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The tongue resting forward and low between or against the teeth
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Tongue Thrust
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Other harmful oral habits
One of the most important things you can do for your child
BEGINNING AT BIRTH
is to make sure they BREATHE THROUGH THE NOSE during the day and at night!
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are often related to or can contribute to:
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Low tongue resting posture or Tongue Thrust
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Disruptions in eruption and development of the teeth
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Problems with speech and language development, especially speech articulation
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Feeding problems or picky eating
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Gagging
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Abnormal facial growth and development including long, narrow faces
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Improper development of sinuses, nasal passages, and the airway
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Orthodontic relapse
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Ear infections
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Poor sleep/snoring
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MOUTH OPEN BREATHING
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Sleep apnea ~ Lack of oxygen to the brain!
Here are some examples of orofacial myofunctional disorders
