CMT CMT Breathing & Airway Disorders 2

Question 1

Which structural issue most commonly causes pediatric mouth breathing and may require surgical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Enlarged adenoids or tonsils

Answer

Enlarged adenoids or tonsils are the most common structural cause of pediatric mouth breathing and may require adenotonsillectomy before myofunctional therapy.

Question 2

How does chronic mouth breathing affect facial development in children?

Accepted Answer

Longer, narrower face with a high palatal arch

Answer

Chronic mouth breathing leads to adenoid facies: a long, narrow face, high palatal vault, and dental crowding due to altered muscle forces on developing bone.

Question 3

What is the primary role of the diaphragm in proper nasal breathing mechanics?

Accepted Answer

It is the primary muscle of inhalation creating negative pressure

Answer

The diaphragm is the primary inspiratory muscle; its contraction creates negative thoracic pressure that draws air through the nasal passages during proper breathing.

Question 4

A patient reports waking with a dry mouth and sore throat every morning. Which myofunctional issue does this MOST suggest?

Accepted Answer

Nocturnal mouth breathing

Answer

Dry mouth and sore throat upon waking are classic signs of nocturnal mouth breathing, where oral airflow desiccates mucosal tissues overnight.

Question 5

Which oropharyngeal exercise has research support for reducing snoring and mild sleep apnea severity?

Accepted Answer

Tongue and soft palate strengthening exercises

Answer

Studies, including a 2009 RCT by Guimarães et al., show that tongue and soft palate exercises significantly reduce snoring frequency and apnea-hypopnea index scores.

(CMT) Certified Myofunctional Therapist Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Myofunctional Therapist Practice Test

CMT CMT Breathing & Airway Disorders 2