Tongue, Breath, and Airway:
The Myofunctional Way to Wellness
Our everyday actions – how we position our tongue, the way we breathe, and the muscles we use to chew and swallow – impact more than we might think. These essential daily functions play a crucial role in our growth, development, and well-being
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of therapy focusing on the muscles of the face, mouth, and neck. It involves exercises that retrain and strengthen these muscles.
When these muscles are used incorrectly or when there is a disruption in their proper function, and it can lead to what is known as Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). OMDs include various conditions that affect the growth, development, and function of the structures around the face. These disorders can manifest as difficulties in breathing, sleep disturbances, improper oral resting posture, and even impacts on the alignment of teeth and facial development.
The benefits of myofunctional therapy extend beyond just oral health. It can also have positive effects on overall well-being, as proper oral function and breathing are essential for optimal sleep, digestion, and overall facial development. Myofunctional therapy often collaborates with other healthcare professionals, including dentists, orthodontists, speech-language pathologists, and ENT specialists, to provide comprehensive care.
Myofunctional therapy is suitable for both children and adults. By promoting proper muscle function and addressing underlying issues, myofunctional therapy can help improve your ability to breathe, speak, chew, swallow, and develop healthier habits.
Four Core Objectives for Effective Treatment
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Nasal Breathing
Mouth breathing can negatively impact growth and development and can cause a range of issues. Nasal breathing improve lung function, boost immunity, reduce anxiety, and enhance athletic performance.
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Lips Sealed
When the lips are sealed, it promotes proper jaw growth, nasal breathing- which filters and humidifies the air, helps regulate the pH balance in the mouth, and prevents dry mouth. In addition, a proper lip seal can aid in proper swallowing, speech, and facial development.
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Correct Tongue Position
Proper tongue position helps maintain lip seal and nasal breathing, supports facial growth and development, and promotes optimal swallowing and speech patterns.
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Corect Swallowing
Proper swallowing is important in that it helps prevent potential complications such as speech difficulties, swallowing disorders, and swallowing air which results in digestive issues.
Unsure If You Need Myofunctional Therapy?
Our screening tool provides a quick way to gauge potential symptoms/ conditions and their connection to myofunctional disorders.
What to Expect?
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Begin with a complimentary consultation where we'll discuss your concerns and how myofunctional therapy could benefit you.
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After our initial consultation, the next step is a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation will help us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. During this assessment, we'll examine various aspects, including your facial structure, oral function, and airway. We'll also discuss your history and current concerns, and analyze your swallowing patterns, tongue posture, nasal breathing, and muscle coordination.
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Our therapist will guide you through a series of exercises and techniques designed to strengthen and retrain facial and tongue muscles. These sessions include exercises for proper swallowing, nasal breathing, tongue posture, and overall muscle coordination. You'll receive education and support, gaining insight into the significance of proper muscle function and its impact on your overall well-being.
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Through consistent effort and practice, you may experience positive changes in areas such as breathing, eating, swallowing, and sleep. Myofunctional therapy is all about teamwork. Your dedication and active involvement are key to achieving great results. We're here to provide ongoing support to help you progress in your journey towards better health.