Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex. The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances.

Examples of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders include one or a combination of the following:

• Thumb and finger sucking habits, pacifier sucking, nail biting
• A routine habit of resting with the lips apart
• A forward resting posture of the tongue between or against the teeth
• Tongue Thrust
• Abnormal swallowing patterns
• Abnormal functional breathing patterns

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are often related to or can contribute to a variety of medical and dental disorders. These disorders can include:

• Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth)
• Periodontal disorders
• Orthodontic relapse
• Changes associated with abnormal jaw growth and position

What are some of the causes of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

It is often difficult to isolate a particular source as the sole cause of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder and in most cases, it can be result of a combination of factors. Many experts suggest that OMDs may develop as a result from the following:

• A restricted nasal airway due to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, deviated septum, and/or allergies.
• Improper oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, cheek/nail/cuticle biting, teeth clenching/grinding, and tongue, lip or cheek sucking
• Extended use of a pacifier and/or long-term use of sippy cups
• Structural or physiological abnormalities which may include a short lingual frenum (tongue-tie)
• Neurological deficits and developmental delays
• Hereditary predisposition

You can learn more about Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders here.