Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and Otolaryngologists

Objective: The purpose of this editorial is to alert otolaryngologists to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) and their primary causes of airway interferences and allergies. An understanding of the variety of OMDs should facilitate improved communications between otolaryngologists and orofacial myologists. Method: OMDs are identified, and the dental alignment and other consequences of OMDs are detailed. Otolaryngologists are a primary resource for evaluating and treating airway interferences in patients with OMDs. Orofacial myofunctional therapy will not be successful without the resolution of airway issues. Results: Tongue thrusting and oral rest posture differences and interactions are discussed. The importance of the dental freeway space in contributing to dental misalignments is detailed. Conclusions: Following referrals from orofacial myologists, otolaryngologists can play an important role in identifying and treating airway interferences that serve to characterize most patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). Knowledge of the characteristics of patients with OMDs regarding rest posture of the jaws and teeth, and abnormal functional activities of the tongue, should facilitate improvements in interdisciplinary communications between otolaryngologists and orofacial myologists.