1: Nasal Respiration

When nasal breathing is compromised, the body often defaults to mouth breathing—especially during sleep. This can result from allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, chronic congestion, or poor muscle tone around the lips and face. Mouth breathing disrupts natural breathing patterns and may contribute to snoring, sleep apnea, dry mouth, bad breath, fatigue, poor concentration, and even altered facial development in children. Over time, it can affect oxygen levels and place additional stress on the body, particularly during sleep.

Myofunctional therapy supports the return to nasal breathing by strengthening the muscles that keep the lips sealed and encouraging proper tongue posture that helps maintain an open airway. Through targeted exercises, patients can improve their ability to breathe comfortably through the nose both during the day and at night. Benefits may include deeper, more restful sleep, improved focus and energy, reduced snoring or apnea symptoms, and enhanced growth and facial development in children.

2: Tongue Positioning
A low or forward tongue posture can interfere with essential functions like breathing, swallowing, and speech. When the tongue rests against the floor of the mouth or pushes forward against the teeth, it can lead to issues such as tongue thrust, anterior open bite, poor jaw development, misaligned teeth, speech difficulties, and even chronic TMJ (jaw joint) pain or tension headaches. These dysfunctions often go unnoticed for years, gradually contributing to long-term problems with oral and overall health.

Myofunctional therapy helps by retraining the tongue to rest in its ideal position—gently suctioned to the roof of the mouth. This change in posture improves oral stability and function, supports better breathing, and can reduce stress on the jaw and facial muscles. Patients often notice relief from clenching, grinding, and tension headaches, as well as improved speech clarity, better orthodontic outcomes, and a more balanced facial appearance.



3: Healthy Lip Closure
When the lips do not rest fully closed, especially at rest or during sleep, it often signals poor muscle tone or a habitual open-mouth posture. This dysfunction is common in individuals with thumb-sucking habits, chronic nasal congestion, or prolonged pacifier use, and can lead to facial muscle imbalances, improper jaw development, dry mouth, and poor dental health. Over time, a lack of lip seal can affect the development of the mid- and lower face, especially in growing children.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the lips and face to encourage a natural, relaxed lip seal. Exercises are designed to re-establish muscle tone and coordination, which support healthy oral rest posture and nasal breathing. As lip closure improves, patients may notice better facial symmetry, enhanced muscle tone, and reduced reliance on oral habits like thumb sucking or nail biting. Improved lip seal also helps support the function of the tongue and airway.

4: Swallow Pattern
An improper swallow pattern—often referred to as a “tongue thrust”—occurs when the tongue pushes forward or sideways during swallowing rather than moving in a smooth, upward motion against the palate. This pattern can interfere with the alignment of the teeth, contribute to orthodontic relapse, and place strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Additionally, it may play a role in digestive issues such as GERD, bloating, and inefficient chewing.

Myofunctional therapy helps correct the swallow pattern by teaching patients how to coordinate the tongue, lips, and jaw for a more efficient and functional swallow. By developing muscle awareness and control, therapy improves the way food and liquids are processed and reduces the harmful forces placed on the teeth and jaw. Benefits include improved digestion, decreased TMJ discomfort, stabilized orthodontic results, and enhanced comfort when eating or speaking.