Myofunctional therapy is a specialized exercise-based treatment designed to retrain the muscles of the mouth and face. It helps correct issues related to breathing, swallowing, and tongue posture, which can impact speech, sleep quality, and even dental alignment. Our general dentist in Duncan, OK, is here to break it down.
If you find yourself clenching your teeth throughout the day, snoring at night, and frequently breathing through your mouth, then you could benefit from myofunctional therapy. Call (580) 255-4880 to learn more about this therapy with Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK.
Whether you’re exploring myofunctional therapy for yourself or a loved one, understanding how it works can open the door to better oral health and improved daily function. So, let’s learn what this treatment is all about!
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Essentially, myofunctional therapy is a workout for your mouth and face muscles. It helps improve breathing, chewing, and swallowing by retraining orofacial muscles to work correctly.
By strengthening the tongue and facial muscles, this therapy promotes proper oral habits. It’s great for kids and adults who have trouble with things like tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and even snoring.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Our dentist in Duncan, OK, can put you in touch with a trained specialist, often called a myofunctional therapist, who can guide you through exercises designed to retrain your muscles.
You might practice tongue placement, breathing through your nose, or different swallowing techniques. Just like working out at the gym strengthens your body, these exercises strengthen the muscles in your mouth and face.
Who Needs Myofunctional Therapy?
One might benefit from myofunctional therapy if they:
- Breathe through their mouth instead of their nose
- Have trouble swallowing properly
- Have speech difficulties
- Suck their thumb or use a pacifier past toddler age
- Have sleep apnea or snore a lot
- Experience jaw pain or discomfort
If any of these sound familiar, our dentist in Duncan, OK, can help determine if myofunctional therapy is right for you.
Why Is Myofunctional Therapy Important?
Your mouth and facial muscles affect more than just eating and speaking. Poor oral habits can lead to issues like misaligned teeth, cavities, sleep problems, and skeletomuscular issues.
Myofunctional therapy can help prevent the need for braces, improve sleep quality, and even reduce headaches caused by jaw tension. It’s a simple solution that can make a big difference!
Can Kids Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Absolutely! Recent studies prove that kids with poor oral habits can see huge improvements with myofunctional therapy. Indeed, early treatment helps guide proper facial and dental development, which can prevent issues down the road.
If your child breathes through their mouth, snores, or has trouble with speech, it’s time to talk to a dentist in Duncan, OK, about myofunctional therapy.
Learn More About Myofunctional Therapy with a Dentist in Duncan, OK
If you or your child struggles with mouth breathing, tongue posture, or other oral habits, myofunctional therapy could be the answer. Our dentist in Duncan, OK, can evaluate your needs and create a plan to help.
Schedule an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center here, or contact our dental team at (580) 255-4880 to learn more about how myofunctional therapy can improve your oral health and overall well-being!
