Causes of OMDs

No single cause of orofacial myofunctional disorders has been identified. Causes seem to be multifactorial. Anything that causes the tongue to be misplaced at rest limits lingual excursions within the oral cavity, makes it difficult to achieve acceptable lip closure, and reduces or impedes the ability to obtain and maintain correct oral rest posture, which can lead to an OMD. That said, common causes include:

●Airway obstructions (deviated septum, large adenoids/tonsils, tethered oral tissues, etc.) can cause the mouth to remain open and the tongue to rest low due to inability to efficiently breathe through the nose. A low tongue resting position can cause the palate to grow high and narrow, leading to sinus problems and dental malocclusions.

●Craniofacial abnormalities including high, narrow palates and dental malocclusions can lead to a variety of breathing, feeding, and speech problems.

●Improper/extended use of pacifiers and bottles (past 12 months of age) and the use of sippy cups/pouches can lead to delayed oral motor and feeding development and disrupted craniofacial growth.

●Oral habits such as finger/thumb sucking can lead to abnormal growth and shaping of the upper palate/roof of mouth and abnormal bites, such as an anterior open bite. High, narrow palates and open bites can lead to feeding and speech problems.

●Structural anomalies influence oral motor function and can cause disordered/compensatory function. Examples include but are not limited to tethered oral tissues (eg. tongue tie, labial tie), airway obstruction, cleft lip/palate. Compensatory patterns to these structural anomalies include mouth breathing, tongue thrust swallow pattern, and malocclusions.

●Neurological deficits require neuromuscular re-education to teach/re-pattern optimal oral rest posture and swallow patterns to improve breathing, sleeping, eating, and drinking.