Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) affect the muscles in the face and mouth, causing improper tongue posture and issues swallowing. Most originate from insufficient nasal breathing or mouth breathing. Over time, the muscles and orofacial functions adapt to the new breathing pattern, creating an orofacial myofunctional disorders.
These disorders can directly or indirectly affect:
- Breastfeeding
- Facial skeletal growth and development
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Speech
- Temporomandibular joint movement
- Abnormal bite
- Sleep
Therapy involves painless and simple exercises that can eliminate the improper tongue posture and swallowing abnormalities. Your speech-language pathologist will put together a treatment plan that involves a series of daily exercises to complete for a six- to twelve-month period.
Call Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants at (605) 217-4320 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
