In 2023, I took a course in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. Myomentor by Sarah Hornsby discussed in detail airway awareness, sleep breathing disorders, and how to strengthen the tongue tone to prevent obstructive sleep concerns.
With an evaluation, I will discuss the best plan for you and your family member. You can decide if that works for you. We can move forward that same day with treatment if you decide this is best for you. If not, we can pick up where you left off, if you decide to proceed with treatment later.
The evaluation is best in person, but can be completed virtually if that is a better option for you. We will go over different movements with the tongue, take pictures of the tongue and teeth, and discuss detailed questions to see what area needs the most attention.
There are between 6-12 sessions, if more are needed, they are added at the end, which we can discuss towards the end of treatment. When evaluated, I am usually able to know how many sessions are needed.
The first visit is usually 30 minutes to one hour. After you agree to treatment, there are new sessions every two weeks for about 30 minutes.
Patient compliance is the most important part of this therapy. Exercises range from 3 to 5 minutes in the morning and evening, changing every two weeks.
Call today or message me below to get started.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy, but for the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue.
It helps your child (or you!) learn how to properly use these muscles for things like:
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Breathing through the nose
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Keeping the lips closed
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Resting the tongue in the right place (usually the roof of the mouth)
Why It Matters for Babies and Kids
Babies and children who struggle with these things might have:
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Trouble breastfeeding
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Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
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Speech delays
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Poor sleep or snoring
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Crooked teeth or issues with jaw development - By helping the muscles work the right way, myofunctional therapy can support better:
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Feeding (breast or bottle)
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Speech development
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Sleep quality
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Facial and dental growth
What Does It Involve?
It’s usually done through gentle exercises—like making silly faces, holding the tongue in certain spots, blowing through straws, or even chewing special food textures.
Therapists may also work with:
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Lactation consultants (for babies struggling to latch)
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Speech therapists
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Dentists or orthodontists (for jaw and bite development)
When to Consider It
You might look into myofunctional therapy if you notice:
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Your baby has trouble latching, swallowing, or seems fussy while feeding
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Your toddler snores, mouth breathes, or drools often
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Speech sounds aren’t developing as expected
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Teeth or jaws are developing unevenly