Frequently Asked Questions

Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that uses simple exercises to help improve how the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue work together. It focuses on breathing, chewing, swallowing, and proper tongue posture.

• Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing

• Tongue thrust (tongue pushes forward when swallowing)

• Speech sound issues

• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

• Trouble chewing or picky eating

• Sleep issues like snoring

Proper tongue posture means the tongue rests gently on the roof of the mouth. This supports healthy jaw growth, proper breathing, and clearer speech development.

• Open mouth at rest

• Drooling beyond toddler years

• Messy eating or difficulty chewing

• Snoring or restless sleep

• Speech delays or unclear sounds

• It’s typically done by trained professionals such as:

• Speech-language pathologists

• Dental hygienists with specialized training

• Orofacial myofunctional therapists

• Sessions are fun and interactive. Kids practice:

• Tongue positioning exercises

• Breathing through the nose

• Lip closure activities

• Chewing and swallowing patterns

• Parents are usually involved to help practice at home.

• It varies, but many programs last 3–6 months, with weekly or biweekly sessions plus daily practice at home.

• Yes! Short daily exercises (often 5–10 minutes) are key to success. Consistency matters more than length.

• Yes—improving nasal breathing and oral muscle function may reduce snoring and support better sleep quality.

• No, but it can support and improve outcomes of orthodontic treatment by addressing underlying muscle habits.

• If you notice ongoing mouth breathing, speech concerns, or feeding issues beyond age 3–4, it’s a good idea to get an assessment.