Orofacial myofunctional therapy has been shown to improve obstructive sleep apnea and many of the symptoms and conditions associated with it. An understanding of the fundamentals and effectiveness of myofunctional therapy will help the treating doctor to educate and offer treatment options to their patients that have signs of myofunctional dysfunction. Myofunctional dysfunction often leads to improper breathing. Knowledge of the importance and the benefits of nasal breathing may help a patient’s well-being. Oral examination can reveal signs and symptoms of immunologic diseases, endocrinopathies, hematologic conditions, systemic infections, and nutritional disorders. We have the opportunity to work with physicians and specialists regarding the relationship between systemic and oral health and coordinate care as indicated. Many systemic diseases manifest first in the mouth and may be overlooked or considered to be a common oral lesion, such as ulcers.

This course will review important oral manifestations associated with systemic disorders, such as anemia, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, Chron’s disease, Behcet’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, diabetes mellitus, HIV, thrombocytopenia, leukemia, and bulimia.

This course will discuss the possible differential diagnoses of oral lesions associated with systemic conditions and when to refer patients to a specialist.