27 Mar Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized form of therapy that targets the oral and facial muscles to improve overall oral function. While dentistry focuses on the health of the teeth and gums, Myofunctional Therapy focuses on the health and function of the muscles that control the mouth and face. The two complement each other well, as healthy muscles and proper function of the oral cavity are essential for good oral health.

Many issues with sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea can be observed in the mouth. Even crooked teeth can have an impact on how you breathe! Treating myofunctional disorders help retraining the muscles of the mouth and face to function in a proper and healthy manner, thereby promoting better breathing, sleep, and overall health.

Top 10 ways Myofunctional Therapy can help improve Sleep

Correcting Tongue Positioning: The position of the tongue plays a crucial role in the overall health of the airway. An improperly positioned tongue can block the airway, leading to snoring and sleep apnea. Using myo techniques, a dentist can work with a patient to correct tongue positioning and improve overall airway health. This helps to improve overall oral muscle function, leading to improved breathing, speech, and swallowing.

Strengthening Oral Muscles: Weak oral muscles can lead to a range of oral health issues, including speech problems, swallowing difficulties, and even sleep apnea. Myofunctional Therapy can help strengthen oral muscles through specific exercises and techniques that target these muscles. By strengthening the oral muscles, patients can improve their overall oral function.

Improving Breathing: Proper breathing is essential for good oral health, as it helps to keep the mouth and throat moist and reduce dry mouth and tooth decay. Myofunctional Therapy can help improve breathing by correcting tongue positioning and strengthening the muscles involved in breathing. This therapy can also help reduce the severity of sleep disordered breathing, leading to better overall health and wellbeing.

Reducing Muscle Tension: Myofunctional Therapy can help reduce muscle tension in the jaw and throat, leading to reduced snoring and improved sleep quality.

Orthodontic Treatment: Myotherapy combined with orthodontic treatment can help ensure that the oral and facial muscles are functioning properly and working together to achieve optimal whole-body health. This can result in better outcomes for patients with braces as they become more aware of bad habits in the mouth that may lead to poorly aligned teeth.

Chronic Mouth-breathing: Mouthbreathing is a common issue that can have negative effects on both your overall health and the health of your teeth. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can lead to a range of problems, including: dry mouth, cavities, tooth decay, and increaed risk of sleep apnea.

Improved head positioning and posture: Practicing proper head posture can be an effective way to improve breathing and reduce the risk of sleep-related breathing issues. By correcting postural imbalances, improving the position of the cervical spine, and reducing tension in the muscles of the jaw and face, patients can achieve better overall oral function and improved breathing

DIY At-Home Exercises for Myofunctional Therapy

There are a series of exercises that can be done at home to improve oral and facial muscles, which can be beneficial for overall oral function. Here are a few examples:

Tongue Press: Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind the front teeth. Apply gentle pressure and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times.

Lip Stretch: Purse your lips and stretch them to one side, then hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Repeat 10-15 times.

Cheek Puff: Inflate your cheeks with air and hold for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times.

Jaw Opener: Open your mouth as wide as you can and hold for 5-10 seconds, then close. Repeat 10-15 times.

Tongue Curl: Curl your tongue back toward your throat as far as possible, hold for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times.

It is important to note that before beginning any exercises or therapy to improve oral function, it is recommended to consult with a dentist or specialist in the field. They can help assess your specific oral function needs and create a customized plan to help you achieve your oral health goals. By correcting tongue positioning, strengthening oral muscles, and improving breathing, patients can enjoy improved oral health and overall wellbeing.