3 Common Misconceptions About Myofunctional Therapy

3 Common Misconceptions About Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy has been gaining attention as more families learn about the connection between breathing, oral function, and overall health. Yet, because it’s still new to many parents and even some healthcare providers, there are a few misconceptions that can make it confusing to understand what it really is—and what it isn’t.

Let’s clear up three of the most common myths.

1. “Myofunctional therapy is only for people with speech problems.”

While speech can be affected by poor oral muscle function, myofunctional therapy addresses much more than articulation. It focuses on how the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face work together for breathing, swallowing, chewing, and even posture.

A child who snores, mouth breathes, or has trouble keeping their lips closed at rest may benefit from therapy—even if their speech sounds perfect. By improving oral rest posture and nasal breathing, myofunctional therapy supports better sleep quality, focus, and long-term facial growth.

2. “Once a tongue-tie is released, the problem is fixed.”

A tongue-tie release (frenectomy) can make movement possible, but it doesn’t automatically make movement functional. After release, the tongue and surrounding muscles need to relearn how to move efficiently. Without retraining, compensatory patterns—like jaw thrusting, floor-of-mouth tension, or tongue retraction—often remain.

Myofunctional therapy before and after release helps ensure the muscles are strong, flexible, and coordinated, so the release actually leads to lasting functional improvement.

3. “Kids will grow out of mouth breathing.”

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear. Mouth breathing is not something most children “grow out of.” It’s a sign of an underlying issue—like restricted nasal airflow, low tongue posture, or poor oral habits—that can persist and even worsen over time.

When a child breathes through their mouth, it affects facial development, sleep quality, attention, and even speech patterns. Myofunctional therapy works to restore healthy nasal breathing and proper oral rest posture, giving the child the foundation for optimal growth and development.

The Bottom Line

Myofunctional therapy isn’t just about the tongue—it’s about the function of the entire oral system and how it supports breathing, speech, feeding, and sleep. Understanding what therapy truly does helps families make informed decisions and achieve better long-term results.