Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Orofacial myofunctional therapy

What are orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)?

Atypical orofacial muscle habits that impact structure and function of speech, swallowing, and breathing.

What are signs and symptoms of OMDs?

  • Thumb sucking
  • Open-mouth breathing
  • Improper tongue rest posture
  • Tongue thrust
  • Reverse swallow
  • Improper chewing
  • Improper speech sound production
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Ankyloglossia or tethered oral tissue
  • Drooling
  • Dental malocclusion
  • Snoring or other sleep-disordered breathing

How can speech therapy help?

A trained SLP works alongside an interdisciplinary team to collaborate on client care to optimize and restore structure and function of orofacial musculature. Babble & Bite will screen for OMDs and make proper referrals to professionals who can differentially diagnose if a medical condition is suspected.