What is Myofunctional Therapy?

It’s Like Physical Therapy, For Your Face

Orofacial Myofunctional therapy (“myo”) is just like physical therapy, designed to restore proper breathing and oral function through simple exercises focused on the muscles of the mouth, face, head, and neck.

Main Goals of Myofunctional Therapy are: 

  • ✺

    Correct tongue posture

  • ✺

    Establish nasal breathing for better airway function

  • ✺

    Improve chewing and swallowing function

What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD)?

Orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is any dysfunction of the oral and facial muscles that impair proper growth, development, and/or function. OMD can exhibit a wide variety of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD):

  • Snoring

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Mouth breathing (day and/or night)

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Waking up feeling tired

  • Teeth grinding and/or clenching

  • Difficulty swallowing food or pills

  • Strong gag reflux

  • Strong food aversions/picky eater

  • Chronic congestion/allergies

  • Asthma

  • History of speech problems

  • Frequent headaches/migraines

  • Neck and shoulder tension/pain

  • Jaw pain and/or popping

  • Anxiety/depression

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Bedwetting beyond age 6

  • Acid reflux/digestive issues

  • Forward head and neck posture

  • Tongue/lip/cheek tie

  • Tongue thrusting 

  • Open bite

  • Gummy smile

  • Crowded and/or crooked teeth

  • Orthodontic relapse

  • High incidence of tooth decay

  • Noxious oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue sucking, prolonged pacifier use, nail biting, etc.)

Learn more