Search Results (94)

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

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

In these times of quickly proliferating journals with potentially unscrupulous publishing practices, it is more important than ever to be confident that the journals you rely on for scholarly content and for your own publication needs are legitimate. We are proud to report that the IJOM was thoroughly reviewed by the Committee on Publication Ethics and has been accepted for membership, verifying that the journal maintains a commitment to research and a high level of publication integrity. Full article

An online, open-access, no-fee model of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM) was established in December 2020 and includes all archived articles back to the journal’s origin in 1975. While aiming to increase content for the journal, the Editorial Review Board (ERB) has also been diligent about maintaining high standards for publication. This note From the Editor highlights recent publications, conference proceedings, and special issues. It also lists updates and challenges in terms of policies and practices. The IJOM remains both a traditional association-supported journal and is on the cutting edge of open-access publishing.
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“Knowing your history can give you the tools to shape your future.” Gloria Feldt’s insightful quote inspires us to delve into the past and learn from those who came before us. This article chronicles the journey of several individuals who shaped the field of orthodontics and influenced the formation of the specialty of orofacial myology. The early years of orthodontics were challenging. In addition to the struggle to elevate the focus of orthodontics beyond mechanics, there was the challenge to convince academia to deem it worthy of post-graduate study. Dr. Edward H. Angle left his indelible mark on orthodontics and planted seeds regarding the mutual relationship of dentition with oral-facial muscles, respiration, and oral habits. In the mid-1900s, Dr. Walter J. Straub picked up the mantle. His stated quest was to identify and rectify dental relapse. His search led him to investigate allergies, oral habits, bottle feeding, and swallowing. There were others, but primarily as a result of these two men, the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) was created. Over the past 50 years, the IAOM has continued to grow, evolve, and set the gold standard for excellence in the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders. Full article

I am honored to take on the role as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM). To prepare for my role as EIC, I set two major goals to address today’s quickly evolving publication standards and the expansion and growth of the discipline of orofacial myofunctional disorders. The first was to establish an on-line submission and review process and an on-line archive for all past articles. The second critical goal was to recruit and enlist an international group of highly respected scientists and doctoral-level practitioners who represent diverse topics related to orofacial myofunctional disorders and therapy to serve on the journal’s Editorial Review Board (ERB). I am proud to introduce this new slate of ERB members. Full article

The field of myofunctional therapy (MT) is complex, as it covers theoretical and practical information on many topics to effectively assess and treat orofacial myofunctional disorders, also known as myofunctional disorders, including tongue thrust, tongue posture, tongue-tie, orthodontic concepts, oral habits, and more. This review summarizes the strengths and usefulness of the book New Trends in Myofunctional Therapy: Occlusion, Muscles and Posture (Saccomanno & Paskay, 2020). The review informs the audience about various important features of the book, chapter materials, and the overall usefulness of the content for professionals working in MT. Providing cuttingedge information, the book draws substantive support from various interdisciplinary journal articles and clinical textbooks. Overall, the book is beneficial to leading professionals in MT as a resource for assessing and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders. Full article

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 50th Anniversary Convention virtually in 2021. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of the presentations. Topics include: history of orofacial myology, mastication, palatal expansion, temporomandibular disorder, clinical research methods, tethered oral tissues, frenuloplasty, case report, nasal breathing rehabilitation, sleep disordered breathing, parasomnias, evolution and comparative zoology, reticent children, orofacial myofunctional therapy. Full article