Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that helps people better use the muscles in their face, mouth, and tongue. It focuses on small, daily habits like how you breathe, rest your tongue, chew, and swallow. These may sound like simple things, but when these habits are off, they can lead to bigger problems. Children who suck their thumbs or breathe through their mouths a lot may benefit from this kind of therapy. Adults who struggle with snoring, TMJ discomfort, or speech issues may also see improvements.
We often recommend myofunctional therapy in Portland for individuals who have been living with oral habits that affect their comfort or health. It's especially helpful when things feel off, but you can't quite explain why. Whether you're noticing mouth breathing or your child has trouble chewing or sleeping well, this therapy could be the missing piece.
What Myofunctional Therapy Does and How It Helps
This therapy works by helping people retrain how they use muscles related to breathing, speaking, and eating. It may include exercises for the tongue, lips, and cheeks to build coordination and strength. Over time, these exercises help improve tongue position, which can affect how we breathe, rest our mouths, and speak clearly.
When the tongue is low in the mouth or sticks out while swallowing, it can create problems. Mouth breathing can dry out your mouth and set the stage for other health issues. Posture, especially how your head and neck sit, is also tied to how these muscles work together. If someone has a tight jaw or poor sleep, this therapy may help improve those areas by teaching healthier motion patterns.
Some habits that this therapy helps with include:
• Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep
• Tongue thrust that affects teeth alignment or speech
• Unconscious habits like lip sucking or clenching the jaw
• Biting or chewing that feels awkward or tiring
Making small changes with daily support can bring noticeable improvements over time.
Signs You Might Need Myofunctional Therapy
Everyday behaviors can point to problems with how your mouth and facial muscles are working. For kids, these habits often appear early and may grow into bigger challenges if not addressed.
• Breathing through the mouth day and night
• Snoring or waking up tired after sleep
• Frequent throat clearing or hoarse voice
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing foods
• Speech sounds that are hard to understand
• Thumb sucking that lasts past early childhood
Adults may have their own signs, such as jaw pain, trouble with certain speech sounds, or always feeling like they need to shift their bite. These signs don't always seem connected, but they can all be related to how your facial muscles work together. When these systems are out of sync, it can affect comfort, focus, and proper rest.
What to Expect During Therapy Sessions
Each person receives therapy based on what their body needs, but there are a few things that most sessions will include. We start by building awareness of habits, from the way someone breathes to how their tongue rests when relaxed. Then we use simple, repeatable exercises that train the muscles to work in healthier ways.
A few things that therapy may focus on:
• Using the nose to breathe instead of the mouth
• Helping the tongue stay on the roof of the mouth
• Practicing how to swallow without tongue thrust
• Noticing posture and how it affects jaw and neck comfort
Most people come in more than once, and therapy can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. A lot depends on how consistent someone is with practice. We track progress carefully and talk about what’s working and what needs adjustment. Encouragement and steady progress are the goals throughout the process.
Support at Home: How to Help Therapy Work Better
Success with myofunctional therapy often comes down to what happens between appointments. That means setting aside time for home practice. These aren't long sessions, but consistency matters.
• Practice exercises at the same time each day to build a habit
• Use a mirror to check tongue and lip position during tasks
• Turn exercises into short games with kids to keep them interested
• Use reminder notes or phone alerts to stay on track
• Review instructions together as a family to practice good habits
Families can make a big difference. When kids feel supported, and routines are clear, they’re more likely to stick with it. Adults may figure out their patterns a bit more slowly, but repetition helps make real changes.
Why Local Support Matters for Therapy
At Peak Dental Health in Portland, we incorporate myofunctional therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to oral health. Our office uses careful assessment to identify habits like tongue thrust and mouth breathing that might disrupt function and comfort. As a family dentistry practice, we see patients of all ages and can provide myofunctional therapy as part of a broader treatment plan, supporting children, teens, and adults through every stage.
Staying close to home means fewer missed sessions and more follow-through over time. Since therapy often happens over multiple visits, convenience really helps. That’s why finding quality myofunctional therapy in Portland can make such a difference.
Familiar surroundings help people feel more relaxed, especially kids who are already learning new ways of moving and speaking. It’s much easier to commit to therapy when the travel is short and the setting feels comfortable. Many adults appreciate being able to fit therapy into their week without long drives or disruption.
Having direct access to support throughout therapy means we can adjust plans when needed and talk openly when something isn’t working. That kind of connection adds to progress and helps people stay with it over the long haul.
Breathing Easier, Speaking Better, Living Smarter
When the nose, mouth, and jaw start working together the way they’re meant to, daily life often gets easier. Small shifts like better breathing, clear speech, or easier chewing can give someone real comfort. Myofunctional therapy works step by step, helping busy bodies find better balance.
If habits have built up over time or early signs keep showing up, that’s often a good place to start. Several common problems in kids and adults are related to the way we breathe, chew, and rest our tongues, things we may not think twice about. With the right support and a focus on lasting change, better habits can lead to better health.
Noticing signs like tongue thrust, poor sleep, or prolonged mouth breathing in yourself or your child? At Peak Dental Health, we focus on building healthy patterns that last by offering guidance and care for long-term comfort and function.
Convenient access to myofunctional therapy in Portland can make a real difference, especially for families seeking consistent support. Reach out to schedule a visit and take the next step toward better oral health and well-being.
Here at Peak Dental Health, we are your partners in the pursuit of your best smile, and provide outstanding care for patients of all ages. No matter what your needs are, our friendly, caring team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, quality dental care that you deserve.
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