Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)
What is OMD? |
What Causes OMD? |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
Evaluations |
Contact us What is OMD?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is characterized by an abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue position during rest, swallowing, or speech and/or the presence of abnormal oral habits..
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What Causes OMD?
OMD can be caused by upper airway obstruction, chronic finger or thumb sucking, extended pacifier or bottle use, orofacial muscular and structural differences, and genetics.
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What are the Symptoms
- Speech distortion, particularly a frontal lisp
- Chronic open mouth positioning
- Dental abnormalities, such as overjet and open bite
- Tongue thrust: when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during speech or swallowing
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What Happens During an Evaluation?
A speech-language pathologist assesses the structure and functional movements of the lip, cheeks, teeth, jaws, and tongue. The patient is observed while speaking and also while swallowing solid foods and liquids. Digital pictures are taken to record the child's dental structure. The speech-language pathologist may recommend additional assessments by an allergist, otolaryngologist, or orthodontist.
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What is the Treatment?
Treatment programs are individualized and focus on tongue and facial resting postures, swallowing, and speech articulation. Children often need help and encouragement from their family to practice prescribed exercises. The best outcomes are achieved when parents or guardians work with their child every day.
When to Call the Doctor
If your child's speech is a concern to you, contact the Speech Pathology Department at Cincinnati Children's at 513-636-4341 and ask to speak to a Speech Pathologist.
Why Cincinnati Children's?
As a national leader in pediatric speech pathology, Cincinnati Children's has a program for the treatment of OMD. This program is staffed by speech-language pathologists who have undergone specific specialty training for evaluation and treatment of OMD. Patients who demonstrate characteristics of this disorder are often referred by orthodontists, dentists, and other speech pathologists. We welcome referrals from primary care providers and specialty physicians.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 11/07
