Show AllOMD can be caused by upper airway obstruction, chronic finger or thumb sucking, extended pacifier or bottle use, orofacial muscular and structural differences, and genetics.
- 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
- For more information, go to the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) website.
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.
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.
If your child's speech is a concern to you, contact the Speech Pathology Division at Cincinnati Children's at 513-636-4341 and ask to speak to a speech pathologist.
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.
If your child's speech is a concern to you, contact the Speech Pathology Division at Cincinnati Children's at 513-636-4341.
