Myofunctional Therapy for Children
Supporting Healthy Breathing, Eating, and Development.
Breathing, eating, and speaking are skills that develop over time. When the muscles of the mouth and face aren’t functioning as they should—whether due to jaw development or a tongue-tie—it can affect how a child grows and breathes.
Myofunctional therapy (often called “Myo”) uses targeted exercises to strengthen the tongue and facial muscles, supporting proper swallowing patterns, nasal breathing, and overall oral function.
We evaluate jaw development, oral tissues, and muscle function as part of your child’s airway assessment. If therapy would be beneficial, we coordinate care with a trained myofunctional therapist to support your child’s development.
What is “Myo”?
You can think of Myo as physical therapy for the mouth and face.
Just as physical therapy helps strengthen and retrain the body after injury, Myo focuses on the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face. It supports proper breathing patterns and tongue posture, which play an important role in dental and airway development.
When used alongside orthodontic treatment, Myo helps reinforce the results. By training the tongue to rest in the correct position, it supports long-term stability after braces or expansion.
The Tongue-Tie Connection: Before and After Therapy
When a tongue-tie release (frenectomy) is part of treatment, myofunctional therapy is a key part of achieving a successful outcome.
Before the Procedure
Therapy begins ahead of the release to prepare the muscles and improve coordination. This helps the tongue respond more effectively once mobility is increased.
After the Procedure
Following the release, therapy focuses on retraining movement and function. This supports healing, helps maintain mobility, and reduces the risk of reattachment.
Signs to Watch For
Some children benefit from myofunctional therapy when basic oral functions like breathing, chewing, and swallowing are not developing as expected. You may notice:
Open-Mouth Posture
Does your child rest with their lips apart while watching TV or sleeping? Consistent mouth breathing can influence facial development and reduce efficient airflow.
Difficulty with Chewing or Swallowing
If your child chews with their mouth open, struggles with certain textures, or occasionally gags while eating, it may be related to how the tongue is coordinating movement.
Forward Tongue Movement When Swallowing
If the tongue pushes forward against the teeth during swallowing, it can place pressure on the teeth and affect alignment over time.
How the Program Works
We design therapy to fit into your child’s daily routine, with simple, engaging exercises and steady guidance over time.
The Assessment
Your myofunctional therapist evaluates your child’s breathing, swallowing patterns, and tongue posture to create a personalized plan.
Guided Exercises at Home
You’ll be taught simple, engaging exercises to practice at home. These are designed to hold a child’s attention and typically take just a few minutes each day.
Ongoing Check-Ins
Regular visits allow the therapist to monitor progress, adjust the exercises, and support continued improvement.
Building Lasting Habits
Over time, these exercises become natural patterns, supporting nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and coordinated swallowing.
Benefits Beyond the Smile
- Nasal Breathing: Encouraging the lips to stay closed supports nasal breathing, which helps maintain healthy oxygen levels during sleep and supports brain function and focus.
- Speech Clarity: Tongue strength and coordination can influence certain speech patterns, such as a lisp. Myofunctional therapy supports more precise movement and control.
- Orthodontic Stability: A strong tongue acts as a natural retainer. Teaching it to rest on the roof of the mouth helps support teeth alignment after braces or expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my child need therapy just to breathe?
Breathing is a biological function, but how we breathe is a habit. If your child has chronic congestion or a tongue-tie, they likely developed a “mouth breathing” habit to compensate. Myo retrains the brain and body to return to the healthy, nasal breathing standard.
How long does the program last?
Every child is different, but most programs run for 6–12 months. Muscle memory takes time to build. Success depends heavily on doing the daily “homework” consistently.
Can we do this virtually?
While the daily exercises happen at home, we prefer in-office visits for the evaluations and check-ins. This allows our therapists to see exactly how the muscles are moving and make hands-on corrections to ensure your child is getting the most out of the therapy.
Serving the Greater Houston and Austin Area
Find the office nearest you and schedule your visit today.
Related Services
Dental Insurance Accepted
Unsure about your coverage? Let us do the heavy lifting. We accept most major PPO plans and will verify your benefits for you before your first visit.
Support Healthy Habits That Last.
Myofunctional therapy helps children build the patterns that support breathing, development, and long-term oral health.