Our Speech team explains the benefits of myofunctional therapy, what it is, if it’s beneficial for your child, and the signs to look out for.
Myofunctional Therapy
What is myofunctional therapy?
- Myofunctional therapy, also referred to as orofacial myofunctional therapy, utilizes exercises to enhance the performance of tongue and facial muscles. Its main objective is to enhance breathing, bite alignment, and facial posture for individuals.
Is my child a candidate for myofunctional therapy?
- Myofunctional therapy can be a helpful tool for individuals 5 years of age and older. Those who can attend a minimum of 3-minute tasks at a time.
Who would benefit from myofunctional therapy?
- If your child is experiencing issues associated with:
- abnormal bite
- swallowing
- chewing
- speech sound distortions (lisp)
- chronic open mouth position (mouth breathing)
- history of lip or tongue tie
- tongue thrust while speaking or swallowing
- disrupted sleep
- upper airway obstruction (enlarged tonsils)
- Myofunctional therapy can be a useful tool to help improve or potentially correct these problems.
Things to lookout for:
- Limited tongue movement and range of motion
- History of difficulty latching during breastfeeding and transitioning to solid foods
- Frequent residue of foods on the tongue
- Multiple swallows need to clear the residue
- Excessive drooling
- A lisp
- Overbite/overjet
- Orthodontic relapse
- High dental palate
- Tongue thrust
- Chronic congestion and allergies
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Teeth grinding
*Kids who have 2 or more areas of concern are more likely to be a candidate for Myofunctional therapy.
