International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

17 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Proceedings of the 2024 IAOM Convention

by IAOM

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2024, 50(1), 1-11; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2024.50.1.4 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 199

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 2024 Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina, from September 27–29. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of each presentation. Full article

11 pages, 1278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tongue Strength and Swallowing-Related Masseter Activity and Oropharyngeal Timing Across the Lifespan

by Alicia Martin-Cowger, Dianna Evers, Christy Osterhout, Katie Small, Shelly Ashbocker, Eric Astel, Rebecca Burke, Natalie Dahl, Rebecca Fish, Jeanette Fountain, Sandra Frickey, Elizabeth Holbrook, Carmen Ives, Cassie Dallaserra, Leigha Juravich, Savannah Leckington, Ashley Purser, Heather Randolph, Catherine Reed, David Ross, Kristine Sedlezky, Chad Seibold, Erin Sholes, Amanda Sisneros, Blake Tanner, Casey Ulrich, Joni Grey Loftin and Anthony Seikel Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2024, 50(1), 1-36; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2024.50.1.3 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 255

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined lifespan changes in maximum tongue strength, swallowing time, and masseter activity during swallowing. It provides normative data with which to compare clinical assessments of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) and oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). Method: 409 healthy participants without identified OMD or OPD (ages 5–79 years) provided instrumental measures of tongue strength and electromyographic measurements for oropharyngeal transit time and masseter activity during swallows of four boluses. Participants were placed in three broad age groups (5–15, 16–59, 60–79) for cross-sectional analysis. Results: Differences were found between age groups for tongue strength, such that the youngest group had significantly lower anterior tongue strength than the other groups, and lower posterior tongue strength than the 16–59 age group. Anterior tongue strength was significantly greater for males than females; posterior tongue strength did not differ significantly between the sexes. The youngest group had longer oropharyngeal transit times than either of the two older groups for most boluses. Swallowing transit time decreased in duration across the age groups, from youngest to oldest, for the 2.5 cc pudding bolus. Both right and left masseters differed in activation among tasks and age groups. The oldest age group had consistently greater levels of activation of the right masseter, and all groups had greater activation for the cracker bolus. Spearman rank-order correlations largely confirmed the inferential statistics and provided evidence of a relationship between tongue weakness and increased oropharyngeal transit time. Conclusion: Maximum tongue pressure generation and oropharyngeal timing measures support a developmental hypothesis, with lower tongue strength and longer swallowing transit times for children ages 5 through 15. The smaller pudding bolus provided the greatest differentiation among the age groups, which may prove to be a functional indicator for clinical evaluation. These results are largely consistent with existing data for tongue strength and oropharyngeal swallowing transit times. Full article

13 pages, 938 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Myofunctional Chewing Device as an Early Intervention Tool for a Child with Achondroplasia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

by Donny Mandrawa, Mary Bourke and Ignatius Bourke

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2024, 50(1), 1-8; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2024.50.1.2 - 3 Jul 2024

Viewed by 287

Abstract

Background: Achondroplasia is a genetic condition that results in several orofacial and physical manifestations that predispose patients to dental, breathing, and sleep issues. Case Description: This report details the case of a 2-year-old girl with achondroplasia, malocclusion, speech and breathing dysfunction, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treatment involved using a myofunctional device that required chewing twice per day, two simple tongue exercises, speech-language therapy, chiropractic therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for 24 months. Throughout the treatment period, the patient demonstrated significant improvements in her sleep, breathing, dental occlusion, speech, and overall confidence. Conclusion: This case report highlights how pediatric patients with achondroplasia can improve their OSA symptoms and health with conservative myofunctional therapy interventions.
Full article

15 pages, 473 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Barriers and Facilitators for Dental Practitioners in Implementing Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: A Scoping Review Protocol

by Heuiwon Han and Mina Jawadi

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2024, 50(1), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2024.50.1.1 - 25 Jan 2024

Viewed by 203

Abstract

Purpose: Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) addresses various dental issues and has evolved significantly since its emergence in the early 20th century. Despite its uses and effectiveness, the adoption of OMT among dental practitioners varies with a lack of comprehensive understanding in the field. This scoping review will aim to map the current evidence on OMT in dentistry, with a focus on the perspectives and attitudes of dental practitioners, as well as the barriers to and facilitators of its implementation in clinical practice. Method: The planned scoping review adheres to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews guide, with data sourced from five databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Dentistry & Oral Science Source, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria encompass dental practitioners' experiences with OMT, using the PCC mnemonic. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers, followed by full-texts, to identify relevant primary sources. The review will include primary studies of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods nature, and is limited to English-language publications. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers and combined. The extracted data will be analyzed and displayed in a tabulated format, supplemented with a descriptive summary. Conclusion: This scoping review will provide an understanding of the role of OMT in managing orofacial myofunctional disorders and other dental conditions. It seeks to identify barriers and facilitators in implementing OMT, aiming to guide strategies that encourage its adoption in dental practice. The findings are expected to contribute to integrating OMT into standard dental care as appropriate according to local regulations, enhancing the management of dental conditions and improving overall oral health outcomes. Full article

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 50, Issue 1 (January 2024) – 4 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI