Myofunctional Therapy for Kids¶
The Importance of Early Intervention¶
Many children today are being diagnosed with airway-related issues that can affect everything from their sleep to their behavior, academic performance, and overall health. Myofunctional therapy plays a crucial role in identifying and correcting the root causes of these challenges—not just the symptoms.
Expansion Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle¶
Orthodontic expansion using devices like palatal expanders is often a necessary step in widening a child’s airway. By increasing the width of the palate, we create more room for the tongue, nasal passages, and overall airway function. This can lead to immediate improvements in breathing and sleep quality.
However, expansion alone doesn’t address why the palate became narrow in the first place.
The underlying cause is often dysfunctional oral habits—mouth breathing, incorrect tongue posture, and improper swallowing patterns. If these habits aren’t corrected, there’s a high risk of relapse, even after expansion.
That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in: we retrain the muscles of the face and mouth to function as nature intended, ensuring lasting results.
Common Symptoms of Myofunctional Dysfunction in Kids¶
Children with myofunctional issues may not always complain, but their bodies often speak for them. Common signs include:
- Bedwetting past the expected age
- Chronic ear infections
- Daytime drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Enlarged tonsils or frequent tonsillitis
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- ADHD-like behaviors: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity
- Speech issues or lisping
- Thumb sucking or other oral habits
These symptoms are often signs of poor airway development, usually tied to mouth breathing and low tongue posture.
The Mouth Breathing – Brain Connection¶
One of the most concerning findings in recent research is the link between chronic mouth breathing and cognitive development.
Studies have shown that children who habitually breathe through their mouths tend to score lower on IQ tests compared to their nasal-breathing peers. This is largely due to the reduced oxygenation of the brain during sleep, affecting memory, focus, and emotional regulation.
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help¶
By guiding children toward healthy breathing and oral habits—such as nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and coordinated swallowing—myofunctional therapy can:
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce or eliminate bedwetting
- Support healthy ear and sinus function
- Ease behavioral and focus issues
- Promote better facial growth and alignment
- Decrease risk of future orthodontic relapse
When started early, myofunctional therapy can truly transform a child’s developmental path. We focus not just on treating symptoms, but on creating long-term solutions that support your child’s health, well-being, and potential.