Learning Objectives:
-
Recognize signs and symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)
-
Explain the goals of myofunctional therapy
-
Describe the possible health outcomes of OMDs
-
Create an action plan for your patients
As dental professionals, we are at a crossroads when it comes to standards of care and airway issues. Screening for sleep-disordered breathing is now recommended by the American Dental Association for all dentists to perform. This is a great start, but we should not stop there as orofacial myofunctional disorders such as a restricted tongue, low tongue tone and posture, poor lip seal, dysfunctional swallow, and mouth breathing can lead to sleep-disordered breathing and health issues. These can lead to poor jaw growth, tooth crowding, open bites, overbites, small airways, and much more. Come learn how you as a dental professional can increase awareness of these disorders, how to recognize them, what you can do to help your patients, and learn when and where to refer.