HOW CAN FINGER SUCKING AND PACIFIER USE HARM A CHILD?
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Depending on the child’s facial features, the intensity, frequency and the duration of these oral habits may cause changes in facial growth, alteration of tooth position (anterior open bite), problems in the orofacial muscles, impairment of breathing functions, chewing, swallowing, and may also lead to slurred speech, such as an anterior lisp (placing the tongue between the teeth). The pacifier soothes the baby, because it satisfies the need to suck, but its use can be eliminated as soon as possible.
HOW CAN ONE SUPPRESS HABITS, SUCH AS FINGER SUCKING AND PACIFIER OVERUSE?
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The first step is to understand how these habits began and why are they still occurring. The child must be understood and not ridiculed. Awareness is crucial to gain the cooperation of the child. Depending on the case, the Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Specialist may indicate exercises for strengthening the orofacial muscles (especially the lips and tongue), and the balance of the stomatognathic functions (breathing, chewing and swallowing). An occupational therapist may also be indicated for consultation.
WHY DO SOME YOUNG CHILDREN LOVE TO EAT VERY SOFT FOOD?
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The preference for soft foods may be related to the reduction of the strength of the muscles of mastication (chewing) and also because of enlarged tonsils. Some children prefer foods with such consistency, as they would not need to chew much or at all. Feeding early on with different consistencies may stimulate the strength of the orofacial muscles and enhance harmonious development of the face.
WHAT CAN CAUSE AN OPEN BITE?
An open bite corresponds to a problem of occlusion caused by multiple factors. Harmful habits (such as finger sucking or pacifier use) as well as the presence of functional disorders (such as mouth breathing and inadequate pressure for an optimal position of the tongue during swallowing and /or speech).
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SHOULD OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY OCCUR BEFORE OR AFTER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
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Orthodontic and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can be closely related with each directly impacting the other. Each case must be analyzed and discussed by the professionals involved. Treatment may be indicated before, during, and or after orthodontics. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy specialists promote a balance of the muscle and orofacial functions, improving the oral rest posture of the tongue and thus the stability of these cases treated by orthodontists by helping diminish orthodontic relapse after the removal of braces.
WHAT IS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION?
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The term temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is used to define some problems that can a"ect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), as well as muscles and structures involved in chewing.
WHAT CAUSES TMD?
TMD may be related to various factors such as dental changes (loss or wear of the teeth, poorly fitting dentures), unilateral chewing, mouth breathing, lesions due to trauma or degeneration of the TMJ, muscle strains caused by psychological factors (stress and anxiety) and poor habits (nail biting, biting objects or food too hard, resting a hand on the chin, grinding or clenching teeth during sleep).
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WHAT ARE THE MAIN SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TMD?
Pain may be present around the TMJ (it may radiate to the head and neck), along with earache, tinnitus, ear fullness, sounds when opening or closing the mouth (popping or other noises in the TMJ), pain or di!culties when opening the mouth, and pain when moving the jaw and the muscles involved in chewing.
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HOW IS OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY CARRIED OUT FOR PATIENTS WITH TMD?
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Most cases of TMD should be treated by a team of allied health professionals such as an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Specialist, dentist, psychologist, physical therapist, neurologist and otolaryngologist. The Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Specialist, after conducting a thorough assessment, working in an allied approach, may apply techniques to rebalance the muscles of the mouth, face and neck, and restore the functions of breathing, chewing, and swallowing. With this, there may be attenuation and/or elimination of the signs and symptoms of TMD. The patient should be made aware about any harmful oral habits and oriented to contribute to the evolution of its clinical case.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN PROBLEMS RELATED TO OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS (OMDS)?
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The main problems related to OMDs are alterations in breathing, sucking, chewing, swallowing and speech, as well the position of the lips, tongue (including what is known as oral rest posture), and cheeks.
CAN CHEWING ON ONE SIDE ONLY BE HARMFUL?
Yes it is. By chewing only on one side, only the muscles of one side of the face are emphasized. This can cause a facial asymmetry over time. In addition, the bite can be altered and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ, the joint that connects the jaw to the skull and allows the mouth to open and close) on the opposite side of mastication, may suffer an overload.
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WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN FEEDING AND SPEECH?
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Feeding a child stimulates the orofacial muscles and this promotes the growth of the face. In the same way, proper suction and chewing prevents dental alterations and di!culties when structures such as the lips and tongue are moving. This is fundamental in the production of speech sounds.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING?
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Besides all the nutritional and immunological benefits, the practice of breastfeeding stimulates the proper functioning of the structures of the mouth and face. Breast feeding strengthens the orofacial muscles of the infant, reducing risk of future problems in important functions such as breathing, chewing, swallowing and speaking.