What is Oral Myofunctional Therapy?

In this blog we look at understanding oral myofunctional therapy, and why it is a popular holistic approach to correcting functional oral health issues. 

October 8, 2024

In today’s world of integrative healthcare, oral myofunctional therapy complements the philosophy of holistic or integrative dentistry, which views oral health as an essential part of overall well-being. Holistic dentists often recommend oral myofunctional therapy to their patients because it addresses the root causes of dental problems rather than just the symptoms. By focusing on proper muscle function, posture, and breathing, oral myofunctional therapy supports long-term health and stability.

What is Oral Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a specialised treatment that focuses on correcting the improper use of the muscles of the face and mouth. These muscles involve crucial functions like chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speaking. When these functions are disrupted or poorly coordinated, they can lead to various dental and health issues, including misaligned teeth, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, sleep apnoea, and more.
 

Essentially, oral myofunctional therapy practices aim to retrain the muscles in and around the mouth to function correctly. The goal is to promote healthier oral habits and improve the overall balance between the muscles, teeth, and jaw.  

Key Focus Areas of Myofuncional Therapy:

1. Breathing and Posture: Proper breathing is critical for both oral and overall health. Oral myofunctional therapy often addresses issues related to mouth breathing, which can cause dryness, gum disease, and malocclusion (crooked teeth). It also focuses on improving posture, as improper head and neck alignment can exacerbate oral issues.
    
2. Tongue Positioning: One of the central aspects of myofunctional therapy is tongue posture. A tongue that rests too low or pushes against the teeth can lead to malocclusion, speech difficulties, and even changes in facial structure. Myotherapy exercises aim to retrain the tongue to rest at the roof of the mouth, which promotes proper jaw development, improves swallowing patterns, and reduces the risk of orthodontic problems.
    
3. Chewing and Swallowing Patterns: Dysfunctional chewing or swallowing patterns, such as a reverse swallow or an abnormal bite, can cause excessive pressure on teeth and lead to misalignment or tooth wear. Myofunctional therapy helps patients learn proper techniques to minimise stress on the teeth and jaw joints.
    
4. Speech and TMJ Health: Oral myofunctional therapy techniques can also support speech therapy, particularly for individuals whose oral motor function contributes to speech delays or disorders. Additionally, for those suffering from TMJ dysfunction, myofunctional therapy can help by reducing muscle tension and realigning the jaw, ultimately alleviating symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort.

Benefits of Oral Myofunctional Therapy

Oral myofunctional therapy offers a wide range of benefits, particularly for those seeking a more natural, non-invasive approach to improving oral health:
 

• Mouth breathing: Oral myofunctional therapy can help correct mouth breathing by training proper nasal breathing techniques, reducing dry mouth and improving gum health

• Tongue thrust: This is when the tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing or speaking, which can cause orthodontic problems like an open bite. Oral myofunctional therapy addresses this by retraining the tongue

• Bruxism (teeth grinding): Many cases of bruxism are linked to muscle dysfunction. Oral myofunctional therapy works to reduce clenching and grinding by improving the balance of the orofacial muscles

• TMJ Disorders: Oral myofunctional therapy focuses on proper muscle function and can relieve strain on the jaw joint and associated muscles

• Orthodontics: Myofunctional orthodontic practices can enhance the outcomes of orthodontic treatments by ensuring that the underlying muscle habits do not interfere with tooth alignment.

What to Expect During Oral Myofunctional Therapy

Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s muscle functions, breathing patterns, and oral habits. We will evaluate how the muscles of the mouth, face, and neck are functioning and whether they are contributing to dental or health issues. From there, a personalised therapy plan is created

Patients will often be taught a series of exercises designed to improve muscle coordination, strength, and posture. These exercises may involve tongue positioning, breathing techniques, swallowing exercises, and facial muscle coordination drills. Consistency is key, as regular practice of these exercises is necessary to achieve long-term results. These exercises/practices are often accompanied by myofunctional  appliances to be worn.

Oral myofunctional therapists represent a significant step forward in holistic dental care, by offering patients a way to address oral health issues by focusing on muscle function and posture. By treating the root causes of oral dysfunction, oral myofunctional therapy not only promotes a healthier smile, but also contributes to better long-term health.

Is Oral Myofunctional Therapy For You?

If you’re interested in learning more about how oral myofunctional therapy can support your oral and overall health, contact us at Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care today to arrange an appointment with Dr Shehab Faragallah.  Alternatively, Book an appointment online today.