Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based therapy for your mouth, tongue, and face that can help correct or improve many oral health issues.
Myofunctional Therapy in Roland, OK and Fort Smith, AR
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based therapy for your mouth, tongue, and face. The purpose of myofunctional therapy is to help improve breathing, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and other issues through non-invasive treatment. Think of myofunctional therapy as physical therapy for any other part of the body but focused on your head and oral health. Myofunctional therapy exercises can help with several conditions and issues such as:
- Sleep apnea
- TMJ Pain
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
- Headaches, neck pain, and facial pain
- Snoring
- Orthodontic relapsed
-
How long does myofunctional therapy take?
The length of your myofunctional therapy treatments will vary based on the type and severity of your condition. For a moderate condition, a tailored set of oral and facial exercises might be recommended. These would be completed each day for a year alongside periodic check-ins with your myofunctional therapist.
-
Can myofunctional therapy help sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea, snoring and mouth breathing are all related issues and can all be treated by myofunctional therapy. These issues are often caused by muscle weakness in the tongue, mouth, and upper throat. When these muscle tissues are weak they are more likely to leave the airway open at night or at rest. Mouth breathing may seem mild in and of itself but taking in air without filtering it through the nose and sinus system can lead to other issues. Sleep apnea has health risks associated with it and often causes increased fatigue.
-
Can adults do myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is often used in children to correct lisps, breathing issues, or abnormal bites. However, adults can and do benefit from myofunctional therapy as well. Sleep apnea and TMJ pain are two great examples of how adults can benefit. Studies have shown increased oxygen saturation in adults and children after beginning myofunctional therapy to correct or improve an overnight breathing issue.