What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?

September 24, 2021

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders Defined

 Orofacial Myofunctuinal Disorders (OMD) are atypical movements of the bones and muscles in the face that can impact the development of facial structures. This can cause difficulty with eating, drinking, and talking. OMDs can impact individuals of all ages.


What are some signs and symptoms OMD?*

  • Reduced movement of the tongue
  • Increased drooling
  • Difficulty with appropriate production of speech sounds
  • Difficulty with breathing through the nose
  • Difficulty eating and drinking


Who can help?

  • Dentists: can assess the structure and function of the teeth and jaw.
  • Orthodontists: including looking at tonsils and adenoids.
  • Doctors: can assess for possible breathing problems,
  • Speech language pathologists: look at speaking, eating, and drinking



If you have specific questions about OMD, please contact a professional if you have concerns! You can reach a member of Pediatric Movement Center's speech therapy team at 301-739-5437!

References:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. (Practice Portal). Retrieved September, 7, 2021, from
www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Orofacial-Myofunctional-Disorders/.

*Just because someone has one or any of these symptoms, does not always mean they have an OMD*

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