Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Disorders involving the muscles and functions of the face and mouth are known as orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). Breastfeeding, face skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speaking, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral cleanliness, orthodontic treatment stability, facial esthetics, and more are all affected by OMDs.
The majority of OMDs are caused by insufficient regular nasal breathing or oral breathing. Many OMDs are caused by the muscles and orofacial functions adapting to a disrupted breathing pattern. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
A healthy link between the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat is required for successful swallowing. The act of swallowing is one function that depends on the body’s vital balance. To swallow properly, muscles and nerves in the tongue, cheeks and throat must work together in harmony. When a person swallows normally, the tip of the tongue presses firmly against the roof of the mouth or hard palate, located slightly behind the front teeth. The tongue acts in concert with all the other muscles involved in swallowing. The hard palate, meanwhile, absorbs the force created by the tongue.
Proper swallowing can produce a range of complications because a person swallows 500-1000 times per day. However, because it is more consistent, the resting posture of the tongue causes the most damage.
“Correct swallowing depends on a proper relationship between muscles of the face, mouth and throat.”
Dental Problems related to an OMD
When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. This is commonly called a tongue thrust. Constant pressure from resting or incorrectly thrusting the tongue away from the hard palate may push teeth out of place. That pressure may later prevent teeth from erupting (breaking through the gum).
An OMD may lead to an abnormal bite – the improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth known as malocclusion. This problem may lead to difficulties in biting, chewing, swallowing, and digesting of food.
Tongue thrust is the act of pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing.
The constant pressure of the tongue against or between the teeth will not allow the teeth to bite together. This is known as an open bite.
An improper alignment or malocclusion between the upper and lower teeth can lead to difficulties in biting and chewing food.
The muscles of the face are sometimes the most visible indicator of poor oral posture. When muscles aren’t working properly, they acquire a dull, sluggish appearance and large, weak lips.
This disease is also indicated by constantly opened lips (with or without mouth breathing). When someone swallows wrongly, the muscles of the cheekbones, chin, and lips contract and purse, resulting in a facial grimace. Because these muscles are overworked, the chin can develop a knobby appearance.
The face can have a dull sluggish appearance when the muscles are not in proper balance.
An incorrect swallow will purse and tighten the muscles of the cheeks, chin, and lips, causing a facial grimace
Mouth breathing or constantly open lips is a cause and/or signal of tongue thrust and low tongue rest posture.
Dental Problems related to an OMD
When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. This is commonly called a tongue thrust. Constant pressure from resting or incorrectly thrusting the tongue away from the hard palate may push teeth out of place. That pressure may later prevent teeth from erupting (breaking through the gum).
An OMD may lead to an abnormal bite – the improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth known as malocclusion. This problem may lead to difficulties in biting, chewing, swallowing, and digesting of food.
Sleep Disordered Breathing and Mild to Moderate OSA
Myofunctional treatment has been found in recent study to minimize the symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (such as snoring) and improve mild to moderate OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). The muscles of the tongue, throat, and face, when properly functioning and engaged, can help to clear the airway.
The face can have a dull sluggish appearance when the muscles are not in proper balance.
An incorrect swallow will purse and tighten the muscles of the cheeks, chin, and lips, causing a facial grimace
The activities in orofacial myofunctional therapy are easy and painless. When some facial muscles are recruited and working appropriately, additional muscles will follow suit until proper tongue and facial muscle synchronization is achieved. Consistent daily exercise is required for effectiveness in this therapy until the patient’s incorrect muscle pattern is changed. It also necessitates the patient’s, family’s, and time commitment. Treatment usually consists of a regular program of exercises over a 6 – 12 month period, although treatment length may vary.
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