Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy
Pediatric myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the face and mouth in children to improve oral function. Here’s a breakdown:
- Pediatric: This therapy is specifically designed for children.
- Myofunctional: “Myo” refers to muscle, and “functional” refers to function. So, it focuses on improving how the muscles in the mouth work.
What does it treat?
Myofunctional therapy can address various issues in children, including:
- Tongue thrust: When a child pushes their tongue forward between their teeth when swallowing or speaking.
- Open mouth posture and mouth breathing: When a child habitually keeps their mouth open at rest.
- Reverse swallow: An abnormal swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes against the front teeth instead of the roof of the mouth.
- Improper lip and cheek muscle function: This can affect chewing, breathing, and facial development.
How does it work?
Myofunctional therapists use a variety of techniques to address these issues, including:
- Exercises: These help strengthen and retrain the muscles of the face and mouth.
- Oral habit modification: Therapists help children break habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
- Sensory awareness training: This helps children become more aware of their tongue and lip position.
Benefits of myofunctional therapy:
- Improved oral function (chewing, swallowing, breathing)
- Proper speech development
- Reduced risk of dental problems (crowding, misalignment)
- Improved facial development
- Better sleep (especially if open mouth posture is an issue)
Is it right for my child?
If you’re concerned about your child’s oral habits, breathing patterns, or facial development, a dentist or orthodontist or myofunctional therapist can evaluate them and determine if myofunctional therapy could be beneficial.
It’s important to note that myofunctional therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A trained therapist will assess each child’s individual needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Schedule an evaluation by our myofunctional therapist Today!