Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

An orofacial myofunctional disorder, often refer to as an OMD, includes a variety of symptoms that may have a negative effect on the development of the oral cavity and airway space, as well as make it difficult for speech articulation and swallowing.

OMD impact on speech sounds:

Research has revealed that of those individuals who exhibit OMD 81% have speech problems. The /s/ sound is the most noticed speech error; others are /z/, /sh/, /ch/, /j/, /d/, /t/, /n/, /l/ and /r/. When there is a combination of OMD and related speech errors, it is often difficult to correct the speech problems through traditional speech therapy (International Association of Orofacial Myology).

OMD impact on swallowing:

Children or even adults with an OMD frequently demonstrate dysfunctional chewing and swallowing habits, such as taking large bites and swallowing without completely chewing their food, chewing with their lips apart, and demonstrating a tongue-thrust swallow pattern. These behaviors often leads to food particles left behind in and around the mouth, noisy chewing and swallowing (smacking and gulping), and a messy eating area. It can also cause an upset stomach from swallowing too much air.