Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is a common issue addressed in myofunctional therapy as it can significantly impact oral health, facial development and overall well-being. Breathing through the mouth, especially when it becomes a chronic habit, can lead to dry mouth, chapped lips, increased risk of cavities, poor tongue posture, disrupted sleep and even altered facial growth in children. Myofunctional therapy focuses on identifying the causes of mouth breathing and retraining the body to breathe through the nose by strengthening the orofacial muscles, improving tongue posture and encouraging lips to stay closed at rest. Restoring nasal breathing not only supports better oxygen intake and filtration, but also lays the foundation for proper oral and facial function.
Sleep Disordered Breathing
(Airway Issues)
Sleep disordered breathing, including conditions such as snoring, noisy breathing and obstructive sleep apnea is often linked to underlying orofacial and airway issues that myofunctional therapy can help address. Poor oral muscle tone, low tongue posture and mouth breathing can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, behavioral issues in children (ADHD) and long-term health consequences. Myofunctional therapy targets these root causes by strengthening the tongue and facial muscles, promoting proper tongue position and encouraging nasal breathing, ultimately helping to maintain an open airway during sleep. By improving the function of the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing, myofunctional therapy can play a valuable role in a multidisciplinary approach to managing sleep-disordered breathing and enhancing overall sleep quality.
Sleep Issues
Sleep issues, such as restless sleep, frequent waking, bed wetting, bad dreams, snoring and daytime fatigue are often connected to poor oral muscle function and breathing patterns, areas that myofunctional therapy directly addresses. Improper tongue posture, mouth breathing and weak orofacial muscles can contribute to airway obstruction and disrupted sleep, particularly in children and adults with sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep issues can also affect performance in school, decrease IQ levels and ADHD. Myofunctional therapy works to correct these dysfunctions by retraining the muscles of the mouth, face and tongue to support proper breathing and airway stability during sleep. By promoting nasal breathing, correct tongue placement and improved muscle tone, myofunctional therapy can help reduce sleep disturbances and support more restful, restorative sleep.
High/Narrow Palate
A high, narrow palate is often a sign of improper tongue posture and mouth breathing during critical stages of growth and development, both of which are key concerns addressed in myofunctional therapy. When the tongue fails to rest against the roof of the mouth, it does not provide the natural pressure needed to shape and widen the palate. As a result, the palate can become high and narrow, leading to crowded teeth, limited nasal airway space and breathing difficulties. Myofunctional therapy helps correct these underlying dysfunctions by retraining the tongue to rest in the proper position, promoting nasal breathing and supporting healthy oral and facial development. In growing children especially, early intervention can help guide proper palate formation and reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later on.
Tethered Oral Tissues
(tongue, lip and cheek ties)
Tethered oral tissues such as tongue ties, lip ties and cheek ties, can significantly impact oral function, speech, feeding, breathing and facial development. These restrictions limit the natural movement of the tongue, lips or cheeks, interfering with proper tongue posture, swallowing and nasal breathing. Myofunctional therapy plays a critical role both before and after a release procedure (frenectomy) by helping to prepare the muscles for optimal function and promoting proper healing and integration of new movement patterns. Therapy includes targeted exercises to improve mobility, strengthen orofacial muscles and establish healthy habits such as correct tongue posture and nasal breathing. Addressing tethered oral tissues with the support of myofunctional therapy can lead to lasting improvements in oral function, speech and overall wellness.
Clenching/Grinding
Clenching and grinding
(also known as bruxism)
Clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism, are common issues that myofunctional therapy can effectively address by targeting the underlying muscle imbalance and tension in the jaw and facial muscles. These habits often stem from stress, improper jaw alignment or dysfunctional oral posture, and can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Myofunctional therapy focuses on relaxing and retraining the muscles involved in chewing and jaw movement, promoting proper tongue posture and encouraging nasal breathing to reduce muscle strain. Through customized exercises and techniques, therapy helps decrease the frequency and intensity of clenching and grinding, supporting improved comfort and long-term oral health.
Atypical Swallowing
Atypical swallowing, often characterized by tongue thrusting or improper tongue placement during swallowing, is a common concern addressed in myofunctional therapy. This dysfunctional swallowing pattern can contribute to dental issues like open bites, speech difficulties and muscle imbalances in the face and mouth. It may also contribute to tongue thrust, picky eating, growth issues, drooling and digestive issues. Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles involved in swallowing to promote a correct swallow pattern, where the tongue rests gently against the roof of the mouth and the lips remain closed. Through targeted exercises and consistent practice, therapy helps establish efficient, functional swallowing habits that support proper oral development, speech clarity and overall orofacial health.
Articulation Issues/Speech
Articulation issues, such as difficulty producing certain speech sounds are often linked to improper tongue posture and oral muscle dysfunction, areas that myofunctional therapy can effectively address. When the tongue is not positioned correctly or lacks the strength and coordination needed for clear speech, it can interfere with sound production and speech clarity. Myofunctional therapy works to improve tongue awareness, mobility and control by targeting the underlying muscle patterns that contribute to articulation problems. By establishing proper oral posture and function, therapy can enhance the effectiveness of speech therapy and support long-term improvements in communication and confidence.
Picky Eating
Picky eating can sometimes be more than just a behavioural issue, it may be rooted in oral motor dysfunction, sensory sensitivities or difficulties with chewing and swallowing, all of which can be addressed through myofunctional therapy. Children and sometimes adults, who avoid certain textures or types of food, may have underdeveloped or imbalanced orofacial muscles, limited tongue mobility or inefficient chewing patterns. Myofunctional therapy helps identify and correct these underlying issues by strengthening the oral muscles, improving tongue coordination and promoting proper chewing and swallowing techniques. As these foundational skills improve, many individuals become more comfortable with a wider variety of foods, making mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable.
Noxious Oral Habits
Noxious oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use, nail biting or tongue sucking, can negatively impact oral development, facial growth and dental alignment. These repetitive behaviours often lead to issues like open bites, narrow palates, tongue thrust and improper tongue posture. Myofunctional therapy addresses the root causes of these habits by helping individuals build awareness, strengthen orofacial muscles and establish healthier oral resting patterns. Through gentle, structured exercises and habit eliminations strategies, therapy supports the replacement of noxious oral habits with functional, age-appropriate behaviours that promote proper oral and facial development, setting the state for long-term health and stability.
Drooling
Drooling, especially beyond the typical developmental age, can be a sign of orofacial muscle weakness, poor lip seal, low tongue posture or inefficient swallowing patterns, all of which can be addressed through myofunctional therapy. Persistent drooling may affect speech, social interactions and overall confidence, particularly in children. Myofunctional therapy works to strengthen the lips, cheeks and tongue, improve oral awareness and promote correct tongue and mouth posture at rest and during function. By retraining these muscles and developing more efficient swallowing habits, therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate drooling, leading to improved oral control and greater independence in daily life.
Dental Issues
Dental issues such as crooked teeth, open bites, narrow palates and relapse after orthodontic treatment are often linked to improper oral habits and muscle function, areas that myofunctional therapy helps to correct. Habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting and low tongue posture can place abnormal pressure on the teeth and jaws, contributing to misalignment and changes in dental arch development over time. Myofunctional therapy works to address these root causes by retraining the tongue and orofacial muscles to function properly, supporting long-term dental stability and optimal oral development. It is often used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to enhance results and prevent relapse by creating a stable foundation for lasting dental health.