The Link Between Myofunctional Therapy and Dental Health

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

According to the American Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AAOMT), orofacial myofunctional therapy uses neuromuscular re-education exercises to help normalize the function and development of the craniofacial structures. It focuses on studying, preventing, evaluating, and treating functional and structural disorders that affect the mouth, face, and upper airway.

Why Should You Care About Myofunctional Therapy?

Because your tongue’s resting position matters.
The tongue is supposed to rest against the palate (roof of the mouth), which forms:

• The upper jaw (maxilla)

• The floor of the nose

• Part of the eye sockets

A well-developed upper jaw:

• Provides enough space for all permanent teeth

• Guides healthy lower jaw (mandible) growth

• Supports a broad nasal airway

• Reduces the likelihood of septal deviation

What Happens When the Tongue Doesn’t Rest on the Palate?

A tongue that doesn’t rest in the correct position can lead to significant problems:

• High, narrow palate: Not enough space for the teeth or nasal airway

• Malocclusion: Overbite, underbite, crowding, open bite, or crossbite

• Mouth breathing: Lips stay open, altering posture and facial growth

• Nasal septum deviation: Not always caused by trauma — an underdeveloped maxilla may contribute

• Adenoid face: Long face, tired eyes, open mouth, poor posture — often seen in chronic mouth breathers

What Can Prevent the Tongue From Resting on the Palate?

1. Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)
   The International Affiliation of Tongue Tie Professionals (IATP) defines it as:

   “A condition in which the tissue under the tongue restricts movement and function. The frenum is the band of tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth”

2. Poor neuromuscular awareness
   Some children don’t know what their tongue should be doing — they’ve never been taught or haven’t built the right muscle control. That’s where myofunctional therapy helps retrain the tongue.

3. Fascial restrictions
   Tension in the fascia — the connective tissue that runs from the tongue all the way to the feet — can limit both tongue mobility and full-body posture.

Why This Matters

When muscles don’t work properly, the bones don’t grow to their full potential.
And when bones grow improperly, they further limit function. It becomes a cycle.

You may see this in your child as:

• Frequent cavities

• Chronic bad breath

• Mouth breathing

• Trouble sleeping — either hyperactive or overly tired kids

What Can You Do?

If you suspect your child is dealing with any of the issues above, seek an airway-focused provider:

• A biological, functional or Airway dentist

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

• An ENT with airway training

• An Airway savvy Pediatrician

They can evaluate your child and help break the cycle with the right treatment plan.

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