Posted on 6/18/2019 by Foundation for Airway Health
Used by permission from Dental Sleep Practice magazine.
Ideal health and function of the body is directly dependent upon optimal breathing patterns. Just as breathing impacts cellular regeneration; blood oxygenation; overall brain function; hormonal levels; and the strength and stamina of the muscular system, poor breathing patterns can also impact the development and function of orofacial complex. Orofacial myofunctional disorders can be found in both children and adults and often develop across the course of a lifespan. Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are atypical patterns that emerge when normalized patterns are interrupted or impeded in some way. These maladaptive patterns often emerge during early growth and development, following a trauma or surgical procedure; and poor diet or not being able to breathe appropriately.
