Why nasal breathing matters
Breathing patterns can influence how the mouth, tongue, and facial muscles function at rest. Myofunctional therapy may include exercises that encourage awareness of nasal breathing and resting posture when appropriate.
What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a personalized exercise program for the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue, and the everyday patterns they support: breathing, resting tongue posture, chewing, and swallowing.
Through targeted exercises and guided practice, therapy helps retrain these patterns over time. The goal is to build more functional habits, such as nasal breathing, a comfortable closed-mouth resting posture, and well-coordinated chewing and swallowing.
Every plan is tailored to the client's needs and goals, and therapy may be used alongside dental, orthodontic, ENT, or other healthcare when appropriate.
Common reasons someone may explore myofunctional therapy
These patterns are reasons people sometimes seek an evaluation. Having one of them does not automatically mean therapy is needed.
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Mouth Breathing
Habitual breathing through the mouth instead of the nose may be one reason a provider recommends further evaluation.
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Sleep Quality
Sleep can be significantly impacted by the way we breathe.
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Tongue Thrust
A forward tongue pattern during swallowing or at rest may be addressed through myofunctional exercises.
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Chewing and Swallowing Challenges
Therapy may help support more functional oral movement patterns.
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Tongue Posture
Resting tongue posture affects the stability and development of the jaw and surrounding muscles.
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Oral Habits
Habits such as thumb-sucking can be eliminated through a supportive therapy approach.
How myofunctional therapy works
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Assessment
We review concerns, habits, history, and oral function to determine whether myofunctional therapy may be appropriate.
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Personalized Exercises
Clients receive exercises and guidance based on their individual needs.
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Practice Between Sessions
Short, consistent practice helps reinforce the exercises introduced during sessions.
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Progress Over Time
The plan may be adjusted as clients work on new patterns and functional goals.
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Resting tongue posture and oral function
The way the tongue rests and moves can affect swallowing, oral habits, and other functional patterns. Myofunctional therapy may include exercises that support awareness and coordination of tongue posture and movement.
Designed to work alongside your care team
Myofunctional therapy can be one part of a broader care plan. We may collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, pediatric providers, and other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
- Dentists
- Orthodontists
- ENTs
- Pediatric providers
- Other healthcare professionals
What to expect from therapy
Every plan is individualized. Here is what care with Respira generally includes.
- Individualized guidance
- Live virtual sessions
- Exercises demonstrated during appointments
- Practice between sessions
- Progress reviewed over time
- Coordination with other providers when appropriate
Frequently asked questions
What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
A program of targeted exercises designed to support healthier patterns involving the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue.
Who can benefit?
Children and adults experiencing concerns related to breathing, tongue posture, chewing, swallowing, or oral habits may be referred for evaluation.
How do virtual sessions work?
Sessions take place by secure video. We guide clients through exercises live and provide practice to complete between sessions.
Wondering whether myofunctional therapy may be right for you?
Start with a consultation and connect with us to discuss your concerns and next steps.