Normal function of the orofacial complex include:
Tongue on the roof of the mouth
Lips closed together
Breathing through the nose
Correct chewing and swallowing pattern
Any deviation of these normal functions is refered to as an oral myofunctional disorder. Myofunctional disorders can start before birth and can impact impact your life more and more as you age. The earlier the intervention, the more effective the treatment.
Symptoms of myofunctional disorders include:
Forward head posture
Open mouth posture
Malocclusion
Dental crowding
Gum recession
Missing teeth
Persistent gingivitis
Periodontitis
Tooth decay
Tooth mobility
High narrow palate
Small maxilla
Low tongue posture
Facial asymmetry
Deviated septum
Cheek biting
Hypersensitive tissue
Ticklish palate
Long uvula
Tight facial muscles
Scalloped tongue
Dental attrition
Tooth erosion
Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)
Strong gag response
Gagging
Coughing
Difficulty swallowing
sleep apnea
Quivering facial muscles
Snoring
Daytime fatigue
Headaches
Tension headaches
Migraines
Stress
Anxiety
Orthodontic relapse
Open bite