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Myofunctional Therapist Explained: Who They Are and How They Help
When it comes to health and wellness, most of us don’t think about how our tongue rests, how we breathe, or how we swallow. But these small, everyday habits can have a big impact on our sleep, oral health, and even overall well-being. That’s where a myofunctional therapist comes in.
In this blog, we’ll explain who a myofunctional therapist is, what they do, and how they can help you or your child develop healthier habits for a better quality of life.
A myofunctional therapist is a specially trained professional who helps people correct improper habits involving the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. These professionals often have backgrounds in fields like dental hygiene, speech-language pathology, or physical therapy, along with additional training in orofacial myofunctional therapy.
The main goal of a myofunctional therapist is to help patients achieve proper oral rest posture, nasal breathing, and efficient swallowing. These habits are essential for healthy facial development in children, proper alignment of teeth, and a clear airway for better sleep and breathing.
A myofunctional therapist begins by assessing your oral habits and muscle function. They’ll look at how your tongue rests, how you breathe at rest and during activity, how you swallow, and whether you have any restrictions like tongue-tie.
Based on the assessment, they create a personalized program of exercises that target specific muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw. These exercises are designed to:
Strengthen weak muscles
Improve coordination and balance of facial muscles
Encourage nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
Correct improper swallowing patterns (such as tongue thrust)
The exercises are simple, gentle, and easy to do at home, usually taking just a few minutes a day. With regular practice and guidance from a myofunctional therapist, patients gradually retrain their muscles and form healthier, more functional habits.
Many people — both children and adults — can benefit from the expertise of a myofunctional therapist. You or your child may be a good candidate if you experience:
Mouth breathing, especially at night
Snoring or sleep apnea
Tongue thrust when swallowing
Speech difficulties
TMJ pain or jaw tension
Orthodontic issues or relapse after braces
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
By addressing the root cause of these issues — poor muscle function and bad habits — a myofunctional therapist can help prevent long-term problems and improve your overall health.
Healthy habits start with proper muscle function. A myofunctional therapist helps patients of all ages breathe better, sleep better, and smile with confidence. If you or your child struggle with any of the symptoms mentioned above, consider scheduling an evaluation with a myofunctional therapist.
Small changes in how we use the muscles of the face and mouth can make a big difference in how we feel every day. Take the first step toward better health by learning more about how a myofunctional therapist can help you!
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