Myofunctional muscle disorders of the face, mouth, lips or jaw are becoming more common. The bones in your face and skull are affected by the tongue. Often an undiagnosed thrusting out nature of the tongue can cause a change in the growth pattern of your face. The tongue, being the biggest muscle positioned in the center of the mouth, shapes the jaws and consequently affects upper airway and the base of the skull. Correct tongue movement and placement are critical for proper skull development.
Below is a checklist that Dr. Alex Shvartsman uses to evaluate patients with the myofunctional syndrome. If you identify such patients, please refer them to Shvartsman for a consultation.
15-Point Checklist:
1. Restrictive lingual frenum, large upper midline frenum (8-9 diastema)
2. High vaulted/narrow palate
3. Lingually tipped teeth
4. 4 bicuspid extraction
5. A nterior open bite
6. Large tonsils
7. Melenpoti score
8. Open-mouth breathing (dry lips, dry mouth)
9. S mall naris
10. Forward head posture
11. TMJ pain, clicking, popping/neck pain
12. S noring/obstructive sleep apnea
13. A nterior tooth crowding/flaring/spacing
14. S calloped tongue
15. Long face
