What are the benefits?

Myofunctional therapy can benefit individuals of all ages. It is commonly recommended for those experiencing the following conditions or issues:

 

Incorrect oral rest posture: Myofunctional exercises can help individuals establish proper tongue posture and lip seal

Tongue thrust refers to an incorrect swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing. Myofunctional therapy can help correct this habit.

Dental and orthodontic benefits: Myofunctional therapy can complement orthodontic treatment by creating a stable oral environment, leading to improved orthodontic outcomes- sometimes eliminating the need for orthodontics at all and preventing orthodontic relapse 

Enhanced breathing: By promoting nasal breathing and eliminating mouth breathing, therapy can improve respiratory function and oxygenation.

Enhanced swallowing: Correcting swallowing patterns can prevent or alleviate swallowing difficulties and related issues such as muscle tension and acid reflux 

Thumb or finger sucking: The therapy can assist in breaking the habit of thumb or finger sucking, which can cause dental and orthodontic problems.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ):  Treating the OMD may improve TMJ-related symptoms by improving muscle balance and function in the jaw and surrounding areas.

Clenching/Grinding: Myofunctional therapy improves proper tongue posture, lip seal, swallowing, and chewing, which, as a result, helps to relax the muscles and improve muscle function.

Speech and Language Therapy: Myofunctional therapy can be a complementary approach for individuals with speech and language disorders, particularly those related to articulation and tongue control.

Athletes: Some athletes seek myofunctional therapy to improve their oral and facial muscle function, which can impact their athletic performance. 

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Why Is tongue posture important?

The tongue resting on the palate (the roof of the mouth) is a crucial component of proper oral and facial posture.

This natural resting position of the tongue has several important functions and benefits:

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Maintains an Open Airway: When the tongue rests on the palate, it helps keep the airway open. This is particularly important during sleep to prevent obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep-related breathing disorders. 

Supports Proper Swallowing: Correct tongue posture is essential for proper swallowing. The tongue's coordinated movement against the palate helps push food and liquids to the back of the mouth and down the throat during swallowing. 

Facilitates Proper Speech and Articulation: The tongue plays a crucial role in speech production. When it is in the correct position on the palate, it can move more efficiently to produce a wide range of speech sounds and articulations. Incorrect tongue posture can lead to speech and articulation difficulties. 

Aids in Chewing and Digestion: The tongue assists in manipulating food within the mouth during chewing. Proper tongue posture supports efficient chewing and helps break down food into smaller, digestible pieces. 

Contributes to Facial Development: Proper tongue posture during childhood supports healthy facial development. The pressure exerted by the tongue against the palate can help shape the dental arches and promote proper teeth alignment. 

Prevents Oral Health Issues: Proper tongue posture can reduce the risk of specific oral health problems, such as dental malocclusions (misalignments), gum recession, and dental crowding. It can also aid in cleaning and maintaining the oral cavity. 

Supports Natural Nasal Breathing: Resting the tongue on the palate encourages nasal breathing, which is the natural and optimal way to breathe. Nasal breathing filters, humidifies, and warms the incoming air, while mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth and other respiratory issues. 

 

Overall, proper tongue posture on the palate is essential for maintaining optimal oral and facial function and supporting overall health. It's important to note that habits such as mouth breathing, incorrect tongue posture, or tongue thrusting can adversely affect oral health and facial development.