Beyond Straight Teeth: The Real Goal of Myofunctional Therapy

Why Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Health Matter for Your Child

You may have noticed more conversations about the “airway epidemic”—but what does it really mean, and what role does myofunctional therapy play?

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

According to the American Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AAOMT), myofunctional therapy uses neuromuscular re-education exercises to normalize the function and development of the craniofacial structures. In simple terms, it retrains the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face to support healthy growth, breathing, and oral function.

Why the Tongue’s Resting Position Matters

The tongue should naturally rest against the roof of the mouth (the palate). This position supports the development of the upper jaw (maxilla), which also forms the floor of the nose and even part of the eye sockets.

A well-developed maxilla provides enough space for permanent teeth, encourages healthy lower jaw growth, supports a broad nasal airway, and reduces the risk of nasal septum deviation.

But when the tongue doesn’t rest on the palate, children may experience:

• A high, narrow palate with limited space for teeth and airway

• Malocclusion (overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, or crowding)

• Mouth breathing, which alters posture and facial growth

• Adenoid face (long face, tired eyes, open mouth, poor posture)

• Increased risk of cavities and chronic bad breath

What Gets in the Way of Proper Tongue Function?

• Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia): A restricted frenum under the tongue limits mobility.

• Poor neuromuscular awareness: Some children simply don’t know what their tongue should be doing.

• Fascial restrictions: Tension in connective tissue can limit tongue and whole-body function.

Why This Matters for Growth and Development

Children need to use their muscles to grow bone. From infancy, the tongue plays a critical role—first in breastfeeding, later in chewing, swallowing, and maintaining proper oral posture. Breastfeeding, nutrient-rich diets, and hard foods that require chewing all encourage strong muscles and proper craniofacial growth.

When these functions are disrupted, bone growth is compromised, leading to narrow palates, misaligned bites, poor airway development, and an increased risk of cavities.

And here’s the key insight: there is no gene for cavities or malocclusion. Modern research shows these are primarily influenced by diet, oral habits, and muscle function—not DNA.

What Parents Can Do

• Start early: Breastfeeding (when possible) supports both nutrition and craniofacial growth.

• Encourage chewing: A nutrient-dense diet with hard foods builds strong jaws and facial muscles.

• Seek evaluation: If your child struggles with mouth breathing, frequent cavities, or misaligned teeth, consult an airway-focused provider:

  • A biological or airway dentist

  • A myofunctional therapist (SLP, OT, PT, or trained dental hygienist)

  • An ENT with airway training

  • An airway-savvy pediatrician

• Consider interventions: In some cases, tools like maxillary palatal expanders help guide growth—but the goal should always be supporting airway and craniofacial development, not just straightening teeth.

The Bottom Line

Myofunctional therapy isn’t just about tongue exercises—it’s about giving your child the foundation for lifelong health. Proper oral function supports breathing, sleep, posture, and even behavior. Tooth alignment and aesthetics matter, but function and airway health must come first.

True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist