Helping Children Develop More Comfortable Oral Habits
The way a child uses the tongue, lips, and facial muscles can be relevant to eating, swallowing, speech, and oral resting posture.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy addresses selected movement and resting patterns through instruction and practice. It begins with understanding the child’s functional needs and whether another dental or medical concern is contributing. (asha.org)
In our care model, functional concerns are considered alongside your child’s orthodontic needs. We explain whether therapy is appropriate, who will provide it, and how it fits with any other recommended care.
Therapy Pillars
- Tongue & lip movement awareness & control
- Establishing comfortable oral resting posture
- Addressing persistent oral habit patterns
- Integration with orthodontic care when indicated
What Does Myofunctional Therapy Focus On?
Depending on the assessment, therapy may work toward:
When Might an Evaluation Be Helpful?
A functional evaluation may be useful when parents notice:
Tongue Protrusion
Persistent tongue protrusion at rest or during swallowing.
Coordination
Difficulty coordinating tongue or lip movements.
Sucking Habits
A sucking habit that continues to affect the bite.
Chewing / Feeding
Ongoing difficulty chewing or managing food.
Oral Posture & Dental Needs
Oral posture concerns occurring alongside an orthodontic or dental problem.
If a child has persistent nasal blockage, exercises alone are not the answer. Medical or structural barriers to nasal breathing should be evaluated before asking a child to maintain a closed mouth posture.
The goal is comfortable function, not forcing a child to hold a position that makes breathing harder. (asha.org)
How We Coordinate Functional Care
First, we listen
We discuss the concern, when it occurs, and how it affects your child’s daily life.
Identify the next step
That may involve observation, habit guidance, a more detailed functional assessment, or referral.
Explain the plan clearly
If therapy is recommended, your family will know who is providing care, what the goals are, what home practice involves, and how progress will be reviewed.
Consider the whole plan
When appliance treatment is also recommended, we explain how the two plans relate. We do not assume that every child receiving an appliance also needs a separate therapy program.
Realistic Expectations
Myofunctional therapy addresses selected functional patterns. It should not be presented as a guaranteed way to reshape the face, eliminate orthodontic relapse, or cure sleep apnea.
Research on its role in sleep related breathing disorders continues, including questions about adherence and lasting outcomes. When sleep concerns are present, medical evaluation remains essential. (asha.org)
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear guidance regarding speech therapy, tongue ties, and program expectations
Ask About a Functional Evaluation
If you have concerns about tongue posture, swallowing patterns, or persistent oral habits, we can help you understand the appropriate next step.
Call 608 473 3980 to ask about functional evaluation and coordinated myofunctional care. (pediatricorthodontist.net)