Looking for better sleep, more energy, and improved focus? How about fewer headaches, reduced TMJ pain, and less neck tension? These are just some of the potential benefits that myofunctional therapy can offer!
Mouth breathing can lead to a range of long-term health problems, including poor facial development, sleep apnea, behavioral issues, dental cavities, and more. A myofunctional therapist can help you or your child retrain to breathe correctly.
Our bodies are designed for nasal breathing. When we breathe through the nose, the air is humidified and filtered, and nitric oxide—a molecule that kills bacteria and dilates blood vessels—is produced. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, brings in a larger volume of air. Since our bodies prefer nasal breathing, they often respond to this extra air by increasing nasal congestion, which unfortunately worsens the mouth-breathing habit.
Mouth breathing also disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, preventing proper oxygen delivery to the cells. This is why people who mouth breathe often feel fatigued and have trouble concentrating.
Just like weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones by applying pressure, the tongue’s natural resting posture against the roof of the mouth applies a gentle force that promotes growth and expansion of the maxilla (upper jaw). When someone breathes through the mouth, the tongue rests low in the mouth, missing that opportunity to shape the growing palate. Over time, this can lead to a narrow, high-arched palate and a longer, narrower face, as bone grows where muscle directs it, and an open-mouth posture encourages downward and backward growth.
Maintaining a healthy tongue posture, with the tongue resting against the palate, promotes proper nasal breathing and contributes to the healthy development of the face and dental arch.
Affect:
• Increases risk of colds, infections, and allergies by allowing bacteria and allergens in
• Higher likelihood of sleep apnea due to altered craniofacial structure
• Pediatric behavioral issues like poor concentration, attention problems, and ADHD
• Sleep disturbances, including frequent waking, snoring, bedwetting, and insomnia
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• Class II occlusion (misaligned bite)
• Low energy and fatigue
Treatment: A collaborative approach is key. An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) works to establish a clear airway, a dentist (DDS) addresses palate expansion and tongue tie issues, and a myofunctional therapist trains the facial muscles and tongue for optimal function.
Myofunctional therapy: focuses on strengthening the lips, tongue, and facial muscles to promote a closed-mouth resting posture, proper tongue positioning against the palate, correct swallowing patterns, and nasal breathing. This holistic approach helps restore healthy breathing and facial development.