Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) and Therapy

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) affects how the muscles in the face and mouth work together for essential tasks like chewing, breathing, and swallowing. These muscles also play a role in speech, smelling, and even maintaining proper head posture. When something isn’t working quite right in this system, it can impact your child’s facial and oral development, potentially leading to long-term challenges.

Some common signs of OMD include:

  • Tongue thrust swallowing: The tongue pushes against or between the teeth when swallowing instead of resting against the roof of the mouth.

  • Improper oral rest posture: When the tongue rests in the wrong position for long periods, it can affect the shape of the palate, the jaw, and even the alignment of teeth. Over time, this can change the way your child’s face and teeth develop.

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized type of therapy designed to help strengthen and retrain the muscles in the face and mouth. It focuses on improving how these muscles work together to support healthy oral and facial development.

The goals of therapy often include:

  • Teaching proper breathing patterns.

  • Improving lip strength and helping children keep their lips closed at rest.

  • Reducing habits like thumb-sucking.

  • Helping the tongue rest in the right position on the roof of the mouth.

  • Supporting healthy posture for the head and neck.

Through gentle exercises, OMT helps your child use the correct muscles for activities like breathing, chewing, and swallowing. This can improve oral and facial balance and promote healthy growth and development.

How Can OMT Help My Child?
OMT is often recommended for children with challenges such as:

  • Dental issues like misaligned teeth.

  • Tongue-tie.

  • Speech or swallowing difficulties.

  • Sleep-related breathing problems.

Working with a team of professionals, including dentists, orthodontists, and speech therapists, can help address all the factors contributing to your child’s challenges.

When Should Therapy Begin?
Early intervention is often the key to success. Addressing habits or concerns early can support your child’s growth and development. However, therapy isn’t just for kids—adults with OMD can also benefit from treatment to improve muscle function and overall oral health.

If you think your child might benefit from OMT, a qualified myofunctional therapist can evaluate their needs and recommend the best timing and plan for therapy. Together, we can help your child thrive!