Orofacial myology is a specialised field that evaluates and treats mouth (‘oro’) and facial (‘facial’) muscles to correct dysfunction, focusing on proper tongue posture, breathing, swallowing and chewing.

What is Orofacial Myology?

What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?

An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) occurs when there are atypical patterns in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue or jaw. These patterns often develop early and can persist if not addressed, affecting speech, feeding, breathing, dental alignment and overall oral health.

Orofacial myofunctional disorders can develop for a range of reasons, often involving a combination of factors. These may include:

  • Persistent oral habits, such as:

    • Thumb or finger sucking

    • Prolonged use of dummies or comfort objects (e.g. blankets)

  • Orofacial habits, including:

    • Nail biting

    • Cheek or lip biting

    • Chewing on clothing or objects

    • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

  • Restricted or compromised airway, which may be associated with:

    • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

    • A narrow or high-arched palate

    • A relatively large tongue or uvula

    • Ongoing allergies or nasal congestion

  • Structural or physiological differences, such as a restrictive lingual frenulum (tongue-tie or lip-tie)

  • Neurological or developmental factors that affect muscle coordination and control

  • Genetic predisposition to one or more of the above factors

Orofacial myofunctional difficulties are not always obvious. Some common signs to look out for include:

  • Mouth breathing during the day or night

  • Open mouth posture at rest

  • Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep

  • Tongue resting low or pushing forward

  • Drooling

  • Messy eating or difficulty chewing certain foods

  • Preference for soft foods

  • Thumb or finger sucking beyond infancy

  • Speech sound errors such as lisps

  • Ongoing orthodontic concerns or relapse

Red flags of OMD

Possible causes of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

What does Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy involve?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy may include:

  • A comprehensive assessment of oral structures and muscle patterns

  • Individualised therapy goals

  • Exercises to strengthen and coordinate the lips, tongue and jaw

  • Habit retraining for breathing, resting posture and swallowing

  • Home practice to support carryover into daily life