What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Does your child stick his or her tongue out when eating? Do they tend to have their mouth open when relaxing? Do they struggle with muscle movements like swallowing? If your child struggles with movements and muscle control particularly around their face and mouth, myofunctional therapy can help.
Read on to learn more about how this condition manifests and how a licensed speech therapist can help your child to thrive!
Smart Start
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is focused on exercises to strengthen and correct the placement of the tongue, lips and other muscles of the mouth. A therapist will work to develop a unique exercise regime that strengthens and rehabilitates the muscles, as well as developing habitual correct placement.
As well as building strength, myofunctional therapy can build important skills such as chewing and swallowing while improving breathing and oral hygiene.
Have Q’s? We are here to help
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy
A few common reasons that a child may be referred for myofunctional therapy include:
- Tongue Thrust: Habitual pushing of the tongue against or between the teeth during swallowing or speech.
- Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing, often due to airway obstruction or habit, affecting oral and facial development.
- Open Bite or Other Malocclusions: Improper tongue posture and function contributing to misaligned teeth.
- Speech Issues: Articulation disorders, particularly lisping or difficulty with certain sounds like /s/, /z/, /t/, /d/, and /n/.
- Thumb or Finger Sucking Habits: Persistent oral habits affecting the development of the oral cavity and facial muscles.
If any of these symptoms strike you as familiar, it may be worth an evaluation with a therapist. Through practice and patience, a licensed speech therapist will help your child to build both strength and confidence through myofunctional therapy.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.