When we think about health, we often focus on nutrition, exercise, and regular check-ups. However, there’s an aspect that often goes overlooked, which is equally vital – our oral health. Among the myriad of oral health issues that individuals might face, orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are a common yet relatively unknown problem. Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia at Miami Designer Smiles have a deep understanding of these disorders and their underlying causes.
Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Before delving into the causes, it’s essential to understand what orofacial myofunctional disorders entail. OMDs relate to the improper function or use of the facial muscles, jaw muscles, and tongue. These improper habits disrupt vital functionalities such as breathing, speaking, swallowing, and the overall growth and development of the face and oral structures.
Significant Factors and Causes Leading to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
It’s important to identify the factors that may cause or contribute to the development of OMDs. The following are the underlying reasons behind orofacial myofunctional disorders:
Thumb Sucking and Finger Sucking
These are common habits among infants and young children. While it may seem innocent at first, persistent thumb sucking or finger sucking can lead to the development of OMDs. These habits can alter the natural growth and development of the oral cavity and face, leading to changes in breathing patterns and speech, and aligning the bite incorrectly.
Resting Lips Apart
Most people might not realize it, but our lips play a significant role in maintaining the correct structure and shape of our face. Constantly resting with lips apart or not maintaining lip seal can alter the action of the facial muscles, indirectly affecting the entire facial structure.
Adopting a Forward Resting Posture
Just like resting with lips apart, adopting a forward resting posture also has implications for the oral and facial structures. It changes the muscle function, leading to OMDs.
Insufficient Room in the Mouth
Limited space in the mouth is another leading cause of OMDs. It can result from a variety of issues like overcrowded teeth or an improperly aligned jaw. This limited room disrupts functions like breathing, swallowing, and might lead to incorrect speech.
Addressing the Underlying Causes at Miami Designer Smiles
At Miami Designer Smiles, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to each individual’s needs. Our team, led by Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, is committed to providing expert care for those dealing with orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Undergoing myofunctional therapy helps regain control over the muscle groups involved in OMDs and subsequently eliminate the detrimental habits leading to the disorder’s long-term implications.
It’s important to remember, when it comes to OMDs, early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing more severe repercussions. Therefore, it’s essential to seek medical advice at the earliest at Miami Designer Smiles if you or a family member displays any signs of OMDs.