Recognizing Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Children

As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. While we often pay close attention to their physical development and overall growth and follow along with the developmental milestones expected for their age, we may be missing signs of certain disorders or growth differences that can affect their oral health and speech. One such condition is orofacial myofunctional disorders ("OMDs").  In this blog post, we aim to provide parents with an understanding of OMDs, their common signs and symptoms, and the importance of early recognition and intervention.

What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders refer to a group of functional and structural disorders that affect the muscles and functions of the face, mouth, and throat. These disorders can impact various aspects of a child's oral health, including swallowing, breathing, speech, and facial growth (including the palate and other important oral/facial structures). OMDs sometimes arise from improper or dysfunctional oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing, which can disrupt the normal development of the orofacial structures.  OMDs can also be a result of the orofacial physical structure.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms:

• Speech Difficulties: Children with OMDs may exhibit speech issues like speaking with a lisp, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, or persistent open-mouth posture.
• Breathing Irregularities: Chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or frequent congestion can be indicative of an orofacial myofunctional disorder.
• Dental Malocclusions: Misaligned teeth, open bite, overbite, or crossbite may be a consequence of improper tongue posture or swallowing patterns.
• Thumb Sucking and Oral Habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or excessive bottle feeding beyond infancy can be correlated with OMDs.
• Facial Muscle Weakness: Weakness or imbalance in facial muscles can manifest as difficulty closing lips fully, drooping mouth corners, or poor oral muscle control.
• Swallowing Dysfunction: Swallowing difficulties, such as food or liquid spillage, frequent choking, or a noticeable swallowing pattern, can be signs of an OMD.

Why Early Recognition and Intervention Matters:
Recognizing and addressing OMDs early on is crucial for several reasons:

1. Promoting Proper Growth and Development: Timely intervention can help correct orofacial muscle imbalances, which can lead to proper facial growth, better oral posture, and alignment of teeth and jaws.
2. Enhancing Speech and Communication: OMDs can significantly impact a child's ability to speak clearly. Early intervention can help improve speech patterns and articulation, allowing for better communication skills.
3. Preventing Dental Issues: Correcting oral habits and improving oral muscle function can reduce the risk of dental malocclusions and other related dental problems, thereby saving your child from potential orthodontic treatments later in life.
4. Improving Overall Well-being: Proper oral muscle function and nasal breathing contribute to better sleep quality, enhanced focus, and improved overall health and well-being.

If you suspect that your child may have an OMD, it is advisable to consult a qualified orofacial myofunctional therapist or a speech-language pathologist with specific OMD training. These professionals specialize in assessing and treating OMDs, tailoring therapy programs to address specific needs and goals.

Recognizing orofacial myofunctional disorders in children is crucial for their oral health, speech development, and overall well-being, especially as they can impact breathing, eating, and sleep (very important things for happy and healthy children and teens!).  By understanding the signs and symptoms of OMDs and seeking professional guidance, parents can ensure early intervention and provide their children with the opportunity for improved oral function and a healthier future. Remember, identifying and addressing OMDs at an early stage can make a significant difference in your child's life, setting them on a path towards optimal health and successful communication skills.   Seeking professional help when needed can be an important way to support your child in their journey towards a healthy and functional body.