What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Nasal breathing

Humans should breath through the nose at all times except when talking and eating. Proper nasal breathing facilitates efficient inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide. The nose acts as a filter against harmful microorganisms, humidifies the air, and starts the production of the vasodilator nitric oxide in the paranasal sinuses. This process is crucial for the uptake of oxygen in the bloodstream. Mouth breathing, which occurs when the lips are apart, is not as effective for the intake of oxygen. There are several reasons for inadequate nasal breathing including nasal obstructions, allergies, and enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Lip seal

Lips should be touching except when talking and eating. In order to breathe through the nose, the mouth must be closed. For proper nasal breathing, the ability and habit of closing the mouth is vitally important.

Tongue posture

The tongue should rest in the roof of the mouth except during talking and eating. During early development, between birth and 13 years, proper tongue posture in the roof of the mouth facilitates ideal upper jaw growth. The tongue’s pressure on the palate forces it to grow wider, creating more space for the teeth and enlarging the floor of the sinus which helps with airflow. In both children and adults, proper tongue posture keeps the tongue out of the airway, alleviating symptoms of snoring, upper airway resistance, sleep apnea, and possible relief from TMJ (tempromandibular joint) discomfort and some types of headaches.

A problem becoming more recognized by health professionals is tongue restriction. The tissue under the tongue, known as the frenulum, can be too short or attached too close to the tip of the tongue. Commonly known as a tongue tie, this restriction can affect where the tongue rests in the mouth and significantly impact growth and development.

Speech

The proper articulation of sound is determined by tongue position.

Swallowing

The act of swallowing depends on proper patterning of the muscles and nerves in the tongue, cheeks, and throat, all working together in harmony. People swallow between 500 and 1500 times in a twenty-four hour period. Incorrect swallowing occurs when the tongue pushes forward toward the front teeth or laterally towards the back teeth. This deviated swallowing pattern can cause improper tooth alignment, known as malocclusion or crowding of the teeth. It can also cause air ingestion leading to gas, burping, and poor digestion. In some cases, repeated incorrect movements of the tongue and orofacial muscles can cause excessive wrinkling.

Posture

Posture is determined by correct alignment of the spine, which is supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Head and neck posture is altered when breathing is compromised. In order to compensate for the dysfunctional breathing, the head is moved out and forward to open the airway. This results in misalignment of the spine.