8 Signs Your Child May Need Myofunctional Therapy

Children don't always know how to explain that something feels difficult when it comes to breathing, sleeping, chewing, swallowing, or using their mouths. Sometimes, subtle patterns can be clues that their oral muscles and functions aren't working as efficiently as they could. Myofunctional therapy can help address these patterns by improving the strength, coordination, and function of the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles.

Here are 8 signs your child may benefit from a myofunctional therapy evaluation:

1. Mouth breathing - Your child frequently breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, especially during the day or while sleeping.

2. Snoring or restless sleep - Frequent snoring, noisy breathing, tossing and turning, or unusual sleeping positions may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

3. Open-mouth posture - Your child's lips often rest apart when they're relaxed, watching TV, reading, or sleeping.

4. Difficulty with tongue posture - Your child has trouble keeping their tongue resting comfortably against the roof of their mouth.

5. Tongue thrust or unusual swallowing - The tongue may push forward against the teeth or between the teeth during swallowing.

6. Speech concerns - Certain speech sounds may be difficult, particularly when tongue position or oral muscle coordination plays a role.

7. Difficulty chewing or swallowing - Your child may chew slowly, prefer softer foods, have difficulty managing certain textures, or use unusual chewing patterns.

8. Orthodontic concerns or relapse - A history of orthodontic treatment, significant crowding, or teeth shifting after braces may sometimes be associated with underlying oral muscle patterns.

Having one of these signs doesn't necessarily mean your child needs myofunctional therapy. However, when several of these patterns occur together, it may be helpful to have your child's breathing, oral posture, and oral function evaluated. At Breath Restored Myofunctional Therapy, we work with families in Ogden, Pleasant View, and throughout Northern Utah to identify functional patterns and determine whether myofunctional therapy may be appropriate. If you're noticing some of these signs in your child, scheduling an evaluation can be a helpful place to start.