What is myofunctional therapy? Myofunctional therapy is a method of treatment that teaches correct muscle patterns for breathing, swallowing and chewing. Goals of myofunctional therapy include habituating a correct rest posture for tongue and lips, habituating nasal breathing, learning correct patterns for chewing and swallowing and eliminating harmful oral habits. The skills learned in myofunctional therapy lay a powerful foundation for the correct production of speech sounds.

What are orofacial myofunctional disorders? An orofacial myofunctional disorder exists when muscles of the face and mouth assume incorrect patterns that, in turn, make significant changes to dentoskeletal growth. These incorrect oral patterns can be caused by airway issues such as large adenoids, large tonsils, and allergies among other things. These patterns can also be impacted by a “tongue tie” or by thumb or finger sucking or extended pacifier use. The term “tongue thrust” is often used to describe the swallowing pattern frequently associated with changes in dental occlusion. Although the swallowing pattern is part of the issue, it is the resting position of the tongue that has the biggest impact because of its consistent pressure.

For more information on how Anne can help with orofacial myofunctional disorders, take a look at the Myofunctional Services page.