Beyond Your Smile
Live Better With Myofunctional Therapy
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive treatment that focuses on correcting improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. Through a series of exercises and behavior modifications, this therapy aims to retrain oral and facial posture to support optimal breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Early intervention can help correct functional issues and improve long-term oral and overall health.
Myofunctional therapy is beneficial for both children and adults in Red Deer and the surrounding areas, and is especially helpful for those who experience:
- Predominant mouth breathing
- Poor tongue posture
- Facial pain or muscle tension
- Sleep-disordered breathing (such as snoring or sleep apnea)
- Issues related to tongue or lip ties
It can also support long-term oral health and enhance orthodontic outcomes.
Why Consider Myofunctional Therapy? Long-term health
& well-being
When the muscles of the face and mouth aren’t working as they should, it can lead to a range of issues beyond just dental health. Common concerns that myofunctional therapy can help address include:
- Abnormal facial development (maxillofacial growth)
- Sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea
- Tongue thrust and incorrect swallowing patterns
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Speech difficulties
- Crossbite and crowded teeth
- Poor posture
- Chronic tension in the neck and shoulders
- Oral hygiene challenges due to improper tongue positioning
- Bed wetting in children
With proper diagnosis and a personalized therapy plan, myofunctional therapy can help retrain the muscles to promote long-term health and well-being.
Will it help me? Ask Yourself:
Not sure if myofunctional therapy might benefit you or your child? Consider the following:
- Is breathing predominantly through the mouth rather than the nose?
- Is there a history of thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use?
- Has there been orthodontic treatment or issues with bite alignment?
- Is there snoring or interrupted breathing during sleep?
- Is there daytime fatigue or sleepiness despite a full night’s sleep?
- Do allergies or nasal congestion affect nighttime breathing?
- Where does the tongue naturally rest—in the roof, middle, or floor of the mouth?
- Is your child wetting the bed?
If you answered yes to any of the above, a myofunctional assessment may be helpful.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when a tight band of tissue restricts the tongue’s movement by anchoring it to the floor of the mouth. This can impact everything from infant feeding to adult posture and sleep.
Common Signs by Age Group:
Infants
- Difficulty latching while feeding
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Colic, gas, or poor weight gain
Children
- Difficulty speaking certain sounds (d, l, t, th)
- Food getting stuck due to inability to clean with the tongue
- Poor posture, headaches, or jaw pain
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Bed wetting
Mothers
- Nipple pain or bleeding
- Pain during nursing
- Nipple thrush
Adults
- Jaw tension, clicking, or pain
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Sleep apnea or snoring
- Poor dental hygiene and gum health
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie is a tight or restrictive band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, limiting lip movement and affecting feeding, speech, and oral hygiene.
Common Signs by Age Group:
Infants
- Difficulty with latch during feeding
- Colic, gas, or bloating
- Struggles with flanging the lip around bottle or breast
Children
- Trouble articulating sounds (b, m, p, v, w)
- Inflamed gums or increased tooth decay
- Mouth breathing or poor posture
Mothers
- Pain or bleeding during nursing
- Persistent nipple thrush
Adults
- Dry mouth and associated dental issues
- Inflamed gums
- Postural problems and sleep disordered breathing
Homeopathic Remedies for Support
Some patients may benefit from natural supports after dental or surgical procedures related to tongue/lip ties:
- Arnica Montana – For shock, soreness, and bleeding gums
- Staphysagria – To reduce infection risk post-treatment
- Ruta Graveolens – To ease pain and support bone healing
- Hypericum Perforatum – For nerve-related dental pain
- Arsenicum Album – Helpful for gum disease and inflammation
If you or your child are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact our office to schedule a Myofunctional Therapy Assessment. We look forward to meeting with you at our Red Deer clinic to and start your journey to a smile that sparkles!
Always consult your dental professional before using homeopathic remedies.
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