COM Nasal Breathing & Airway Function 2

Question 1

During orofacial myofunctional assessment, the mirror fogging test (Glatzel mirror) is used to:

Accepted Answer

Detect airflow from each nostril during nasal breathing

Answer

The Glatzel mirror is placed under the nostrils and the fogging pattern on the mirror indicates the presence and symmetry of nasal airflow from each nostril.

Question 2

Which craniofacial characteristic is most commonly associated with long-term habitual mouth breathing in children?

Accepted Answer

Elongated face with narrow upper arch and high palatal vault

Answer

Chronic mouth breathing allows the tongue to rest low, removing palatal pressure, which leads to a narrowed upper arch, high palatal vault, and increased vertical facial growth.

Question 3

An 'obligate mouth breather' in orofacial myofunctional practice is best defined as a patient who:

Accepted Answer

Cannot breathe nasally due to anatomical or structural obstruction

Answer

An obligate mouth breather has a physical or structural reason—such as enlarged adenoids, nasal polyps, or severe septal deviation—that prevents nasal breathing.

Question 4

Gingival inflammation concentrated along the upper anterior teeth, in the absence of poor plaque control, most commonly suggests:

Accepted Answer

Habitual mouth breathing causing localized xerostomia

Answer

Mouth breathing desiccates the anterior gingival tissues, leading to chronic inflammation in the maxillary anterior region even when oral hygiene is adequate.

Question 5

Forward head posture observed during orofacial myofunctional assessment is most strongly associated with:

Accepted Answer

Habitual mouth breathing and low tongue posture

Answer

Mouth breathers often extend the head forward and upward to open the airway, which becomes a habitual postural compensation linked to low tongue rest posture.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

COM Nasal Breathing & Airway Function 2