What is an OMD?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is characterized by an abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue position during rest or the oral phase of swallowing. It can also include abnormal oral habits.
Sherry Jacobsen, BSDH, AOMT-C · Peoria, AZ 85383
Breathe, rest, and function the way your body intended.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face — for children and adults living with tongue thrust, mouth breathing, tongue-tie, snoring, and jaw tension.
Common symptoms
Tongue posture and resting position, chronic open-mouth positioning, and dental abnormalities such as overjet and open bite.
How treatment works
Treatment is individualized and focuses on tongue and facial resting postures, the oral phase of swallowing, and coordinated muscle function. The best outcomes are achieved when prescribed exercises are practiced every day.
Signs of an orofacial myofunctional disorder
01
Tongue Thrust
Tongue thrusting is the habit of pushing the tongue forward between the upper and lower front teeth during the oral phase of swallowing. The proper position for the tip of the tongue is to push against the gum above the back of the upper front teeth, rather than between the upper and lower teeth.
02
Open Bite
A variety of causes are responsible for the compulsion to continually push one's tongue forward; discerning which it is depends on the person. If a young child sucks a thumb at an early age — and does not stop the habit by the age of four, warns the American Dental Association — the upper and lower teeth can become altered in a way that creates a dental condition called open bite.
03
Open Mouth Breathing
Along with a tongue thrust, the identification and treatment of an open-mouth breathing posture and weak lip seal is extremely important. Mouth breathing may be habitual or due to an obstruction.
Signs and symptoms can also include
- Tongue-Tie
- Jaw Pain
- Snoring
- Chronic Headaches
- Grinding
- Oral-phase swallowing difficulty
- Poor Posture
- Sleep Apnea
- Tongue posture & oral habits
- Digestive Issues
- Orthodontic Relapse
- Chronic Tension
- Mood Disorders
The evidence
Most recent scientific literature has shown that treatment for orofacial myofunctional disorders can be 80–90% effective in correcting oral-phase swallowing and rest posture functions.
It also shows these corrections are retained years after successful completion of treatment (Hahn & Hahn, 1992). Patients are individually evaluated to discover all of the factors that may be involved — especially important where there are dental, medical, or airway concerns. A multidisciplinary professional approach is vital to successful treatment and includes dentists, orthodontists, allergists, and physicians.
From the store
Products used and recommended in practice.
CloSYS Mouthrinse
Gentle, alcohol-free rinse that neutralizes odor-causing bacteria without burning.
$22.99
CloSYS Toothpaste
Low-abrasion fluoride toothpaste with a mild, sulfate-free formula.
$13.99
HYDRO FLOSS Oral Irrigator
Magnetic hydro-therapy irrigator that reduces plaque and tartar buildup.
$169.99
Training & certifications
