What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more.
Most OMDs originate with insufficient habitual nasal breathing or with oral breathing. The subsequent adaptation of the muscles and the orofacial functions to a disordered breathing pattern creates many OMDs. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
Because a person swallows 800 to 2000 times a day, improper swallowing can cause a variety of problems. But it’s actually the resting position of the tongue that does the most damage because it is more constant.
Correct swallowing depends on a proper relationship between muscles of the face, mouth and throat. 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.
Learn why it’s important to release tongue ties and lip ties in your child, watch the informative video below:
Watch this short video to learn how a healthy airway changed this child’s life dramatically:
What patients are saying about Southwest Myofunctional Therapy
“Sandraluz went above and beyond to care for our 3 month old daughter. From our very first meeting to evaluate the severity of our daughter’s lip and tongue ties to our post-op phone calls and in-office visits we felt safe, well cared for, educated and respected by Sandraluz. I highly recommend her!”
– Jody, Albuquerque, NM
“I loved that I was able to get a appointment right away. I felt very comfortable with her knowledge about my daughters lip and tongue tie. She was absolutely amazing with my daughter. I will definitely refer anyone to this clinic! Thank you for everything!”
– Noelle
Video testimonials
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