Signs You (or Your Child) May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy

Many people assume that habits like mouth breathing, messy eating, or speech differences are things children will simply “grow out of.” While that can sometimes be the case, these patterns often continue into adulthood—and may be signs of underlying oral muscle dysfunction.

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) affect how the tongue, lips, and facial muscles function. These patterns can impact breathing, sleep, speech, eating, dental development, and even posture—at any age.

Whether you’re noticing these signs in your child or recognizing them in yourself, it may be worth taking a closer look.

Sleep & Breathing Concerns

Healthy breathing is foundational for both children and adults. Signs to watch for include:

• Mouth breathing (day or night)
• Snoring or noisy breathing
• Restless sleep or frequent waking
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Bedwetting in children
• Waking up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep
• Dark circles under the eyes

These signs can indicate inefficient breathing patterns or airway concerns that may benefit from intervention.

Oral Function & Eating Habits

How the tongue, lips, and jaw function at rest and during eating plays a major role in overall health.

You may notice:

• Difficulty keeping lips closed at rest
• Tongue resting low in the mouth instead of on the palate
• Messy eating or food falling out
• Chewing with mouth open
• Preferring soft foods or avoiding chewing
• Food “pocketing” in the cheeks
• Excessive drooling (in children or adults with oral weakness)

These patterns often persist over time if not addressed.

Speech & Communication

Oral muscle coordination directly impacts speech clarity.

Signs can include:

• Lisp or difficulty with sounds like /s/, /r/, or /th/
• Muffled or unclear speech
• Difficulty coordinating breathing while speaking
• Vocal fatigue when talking for long periods

In both children and adults, these patterns may be related to underlying muscle function rather than just articulation.

Dental & Structural Clues

Many orthodontic and dental concerns are influenced by muscle function—not just genetics.

Look for:

• Crowded teeth
• Open bite or crossbite
• High, narrow palate
• Teeth shifting after braces
• Relapse following orthodontic treatment
• Jaw tension or TMJ-related symptoms (more common in adults)

Without addressing function, these issues may continue or return over time.

Airway & Health History

Certain medical factors can contribute to or result from myofunctional disorders:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Frequent allergies or sinus issues
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• History of tongue tie or lip tie (treated or untreated)
• Sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea

These concerns can affect both children and adults and are often interconnected with oral function.

Posture & Whole-Body Connections

One of the most overlooked aspects of myofunctional therapy is its connection to the entire body.

You might notice:

• Forward head posture
• Slouched posture
• Mouth open during screen time or rest
• Neck tension or jaw discomfort

The position of the tongue and how we breathe can influence overall alignment and muscle balance.

Why This Matters at Any Age

Many of these signs are subtle and often normalized over time. However, they can impact:

• Sleep quality
• Energy levels
• Speech clarity
• Feeding and digestion
• Dental stability
• Overall health and development

The important thing to know is that these patterns are not limited to children—and they are often very treatable.

Next Steps

If you’re noticing any of these signs in your child—or even recognizing them in yourself—an evaluation can help determine whether myofunctional therapy would be beneficial.

At our clinic, all treatment begins with a thorough assessment so we can understand the full picture and create a personalized plan.