What are OMD’s?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly:
Other Commons Issues:
- Sleep, facial skeletal growth & development, breathing, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, posture, TMJ movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, head posture, & more.
- These are patterns involving oral & orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures (Mason, n.d.A). OMDs are found in children, adolescents, & adults.
- OMDs co-occur with a variety of speech & swallowing disorders. OMD may reflect the interplay of learned behaviors, physical/ structural variables, genetic & environmental factors (Maspero, Prevedello, Giannini, Galbiati, & Farronato, 2014).
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD):
Disorders of the jaw muscles, TMJs, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Problems that prevent the system of muscles, bones, & joints from working in a coordinated fashion can result in a TMD. TMD = TMJD, TMJ/TMD or TMJ/D (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB):
“Refers to a collapse at any level of the upper airway resulting in abnormal breathing patterns during sleep. SDB can reduce oxygenation of the brain, change in neural physiology and function and a lack of restorative sleep essential to optimal daytime functioning.” (Nicole Archambault, ASHA Leader, February 2018)
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS):
“Caused by a slowing or blockage of air in the nasal passages during sleep, disrupting it & causing fatigue. It is similar to OSA as the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, the size of the airway is reduced, & disturbed sleep & consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness results (Stanford Health Care).
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs):
Are a thick webbing of fascia or connective tissue that lead to symptoms and functional impact. If there is no functional impact, there is no tie. There are 7 locations in the oral cavity: 2 labial (upper, lower), 1 lingual, 4 buccal (2 upper, 2 lower bilaterally). TOTs may impact airway, sleep, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and posture.