Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders Explained:

Insights & Information

What are the signs and symptoms of an OMD?

The signs and symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of disorder they have. Some common signs and symptoms of OMDs may include:

  • Mouth breathing, especially during sleep

  • Speech difficulties, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds

  • Difficulty with chewing or swallowing food

  • Tongue thrusting or tongue-tie

  • Thumb or finger-sucking habits

  • Open bite (when the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed)

  • Crowded or misaligned teeth

  • Headaches or jaw pain

  • Snoring or sleep apnea

  • Chronic neck and shoulder pain

Who can help to treat a diagnosed OMD?

Treating an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) often requires a team approach involving various healthcare professionals. The team may include:


Orofacial Myologist - An orofacial myologist will be the primary healthcare professional responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of the OMD. They will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs and work closely with the rest of the team to achieve optimal results.


Dentist or Orthodontist - A dentist or orthodontist may be involved in treating OMDs that are related to dental or jaw alignment issues. They may provide orthodontic treatment or use appliances such as palatal expanders, braces or retainers to help correct the underlying dental or jaw issues.

Speech Therapist - A speech therapist may be involved in treating OMDs that are related to speech difficulties or oral motor dysfunction. They may provide exercises and therapy to improve tongue and lip muscle control, and coordination needed for speech and swallowing.


Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist - An ENT specialist may be involved in treating OMDs that are related to nasal or airway issues such as snoring or sleep apnea.


Working together, this team can provide comprehensive care to help the patient overcome their OMD and improve their overall oral function and health. 

How is an OMD treated?

The treatment for an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) typically involves a combination of therapy, exercises, and behavioral changes designed to retrain the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat, and improve overall oral function. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual's specific condition and symptoms, as well as the severity of the disorder.

Here are some common approaches to treating OMDs:

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy involves exercises to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat, helping to correct the abnormal muscle patterns that contribute to the OMD. An orofacial myologist will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs, which may include exercises such as tongue placement, swallowing exercises, and breathing techniques.

Behavior Modification: This involves changing habits that contribute to the OMD, such as thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting. The patient may be given specific instructions on how to break these habits and encouraged to practice new behaviors that support improved oral function.

Appliances or Tools: In some cases, an appliance or tool such as a tongue crib, palatal expander, or myofunctional orthodontic appliance may be used to help support the therapy and retraining of the muscles.

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals: Depending on the underlying cause of the OMD, the orofacial myologist may work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, speech therapists, or ENT specialists, to ensure comprehensive care.

Overall, the goal of OMD treatment is to help the patient achieve optimal oral function and improve their quality of life. With regular therapy and commitment to the recommended exercises and behavioral changes, patients can make significant progress in correcting their OMD.