Question 1

What age can children start myofunctional therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy recommendations depend on the child’s unique needs, attention, and ability to participate in structured exercises. Some younger children may benefit from early habit and oral function support through a feeding approach, while older children may participate in more structured therapy programs.

Question 2

How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

If you notice mouth breathing, noisy/audible breathing, snoring or restless sleep, tongue thrust, open mouth posture, speech concerns, feeding difficulties such as difficulty chewing, pocketing food or extended meal times, drooling, or oral habits such as thumb sucking, mouthing or sucking on objects that persist over time, a consultation may help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.

Question 3

Does myofunctional therapy help speech?

Accepted Answer

Oral muscle patterns and tongue posture can sometimes impact speech production. Myofunctional therapy may be recommended alongside speech therapy when oral function contributes to speech difficulties.

Question 4

Do you work with other providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Myofunctional therapy often works best as part of a collaborative team approach that may include orthodontists, ENTs, pediatric dentists, osteopaths, and other specialists.

Question 5

What is the difference between myofunctional therapy and speech therapy?

Accepted Answer

Many children who benefit from myofunctional therapy also receive speech therapy, but the goals are different. Myofunctional therapy focuses on improving oral rest posture, breathing patterns, tongue function, and swallowing patterns, while speech therapy focuses on production of speech sounds and communication skills. Speech is a motor task, and incorporating myofunctional therapy often helps children learn new motor patterns in order to produce speech sounds accurately.

Question 6

What happens during a myofunctional evaluation?

Accepted Answer

During the evaluation, I will review your child's history and current concerns, assess tongue, lip, and jaw function, and observe swallowing patterns and oral rest posture. Following the evaluation, I will discuss recommendations, answer your questions, and determine whether myofunctional therapy may be appropriate for your child.

Question 7

How long does myofunctional therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Treatment length varies based on the child's age, goals, consistency with home practice, and the nature of the oral function concerns being addressed.

Supporting Literacy, Feeding & Speech

Myofunctional Therapy

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Myofunctional Therapy

My Approach to Therapy

Who I Work With

Frequently Asked Questions