How Myofunctional Therapy Improves Children’s Oral Habits
In pediatric dental care, healthy oral habits play a crucial role in a child’s overall facial development and dental health. Beyond cavities and tooth brushing, habits such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or tongue thrusting can significantly impact how a child’s teeth and jaws develop.
Dentists today are recognizing the growing importance of Myofunctional Therapy — a non-invasive approach that focuses on correcting improper oral muscle functions. This therapy helps children develop healthier habits that support natural growth, better breathing, and improved dental outcomes.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a set of targeted exercises that retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, lips, and jaw. It promotes proper oral posture and function — helping children breathe through the nose, maintain a closed-mouth resting posture, and swallow correctly.
Dentists recommend myofunctional therapy as part of comprehensive care for children showing early signs of harmful oral habits. The therapy is gentle, preventive, and helps in reducing the need for corrective treatments in the future.
Common Oral Habits in Children That Affect Dental Health
Children often develop habits that may seem normal in early childhood but can lead to long-term dental and facial issues if left uncorrected.
1. Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can cause dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, and altered development of the jaw and face.
2. Thumb or Finger Sucking
Persistent thumb or finger sucking places pressure on developing teeth, often pushing them out of alignment and affecting bite patterns.
3. Tongue Thrusting
When a child pushes their tongue against or between their teeth while swallowing or speaking, it can lead to misaligned front teeth or spacing between them.
4. Prolonged Use of Bottles or Pacifiers
Excessive use beyond infancy can interfere with proper tongue positioning and affect jaw growth and teeth alignment.
5. Lip or Cheek Biting
These habits create imbalances in muscle use and may lead to uneven pressure on teeth and surrounding structures.
6. Low Tongue Posture
A tongue resting low in the mouth (instead of against the palate) can lead to a narrow upper arch, crowded teeth, and improper jaw development.
The Role of the Dentist in Identifying Oral Habits
Dentists are often the first to notice the signs of improper oral habits during regular check-ups. Through simple assessments of a child’s breathing pattern, tongue posture, bite, and resting mouth position, dentists can detect whether a child is at risk for developing structural dental issues.
By identifying the problem early, dentists can recommend myofunctional therapy to address the underlying muscle function before it creates further dental complications.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
Myofunctional therapy is customized for each child and is based on their specific oral habits and muscular patterns. The therapy typically includes:
1. Tongue Posture Training
Children learn to keep the tongue in the correct resting position — gently placed against the roof of the mouth. This supports better jaw development and nasal breathing.
2. Lip Seal Improvement
Therapy encourages lips to stay closed at rest, preventing mouth breathing and maintaining a healthier oral environment.
3. Breathing Retraining
Children are guided to breathe through their nose during both day and night, which improves oxygen intake, sleep quality, and oral hydration.
4. Correct Swallowing Techniques
Proper swallowing patterns prevent the tongue from pushing against the teeth and help maintain teeth alignment.
5. Muscle Strengthening
Facial and oral muscles are strengthened to improve chewing, speech clarity, and oral coordination.
These exercises are typically practiced daily at home with occasional supervision from a trained dental provider familiar with the therapy.
Devices That Support Myofunctional Therapy
In some cases, dentists may suggest the use of safe, comfortable devices that assist therapy outcomes:
1. Myofunctional Trainers
These are soft, flexible mouthpieces designed to support correct tongue position, lip closure, and nasal breathing.
2. Habit-Interruption Devices
Custom-made dental appliances can be used to discourage habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting by gently preventing those motions.
3. Nasal Breathing Support
Simple tools or guidance techniques may be used to encourage nasal breathing, especially during sleep.
All tools are used only when necessary and under the dentist’s supervision as part of a holistic plan.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Children
Myofunctional therapy provides a wide range of benefits when introduced early as part of dental care:
1. Encourages Healthy Facial Growth
Proper muscle function and tongue posture guide the natural development of facial bones and structures.
2. Helps Prevent Crooked Teeth
Correcting habits early allows teeth to erupt in proper positions and reduces the likelihood of misalignment.
3. Enhances Sleep and Breathing
Training children to breathe through their noses improves sleep quality, focus, and behavior during the day.
4. Improves Speech and Swallowing
Stronger, better-coordinated muscles contribute to clearer speech and more effective chewing and swallowing.
5. Boosts Long-Term Oral Hygiene
Mouth breathing and poor muscle habits can lead to dry mouth and plaque buildup. Therapy encourages healthy salivary flow and better cleaning by the tongue and cheeks.
6. Reduces Need for Future Dental Treatments
By addressing the root cause early, myofunctional therapy may reduce the need for future interventions such as dental aligners, space maintainers, or other corrective procedures.
When Should a Child Start Myofunctional Therapy?
The best time to begin myofunctional therapy is when signs of an improper habit are first noticed — often as early as age 4 or 5. Since children’s facial bones are still growing, early intervention allows muscles and structures to develop in harmony.
Dentists recommend a full assessment if a child:
- Breathes through the mouth frequently
- Snores or sleeps with an open mouth
- Has speech delays or unclear pronunciation
- Shows signs of tongue thrust
- Continues thumb or finger sucking beyond toddler years
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy is a gentle and highly effective way to improve children’s oral habits, muscle function, and long-term dental health. Dentists are in a key position to recognize early warning signs and guide parents toward this beneficial, non-invasive treatment.
By incorporating myofunctional therapy into dental care plans, children can develop proper oral function, healthier facial growth, and a confident, natural smile. It’s not just about fixing teeth — it’s about guiding the whole mouth to work in balance.
If your child shows signs of improper oral habits, consult your dental care provider about how myofunctional therapy can help. Early attention can prevent future problems and lead to a lifetime of better oral health.
Begin your journey to a healthier, brighter smile today! Call Kigo Dental Clinic at +91 9998884398 to book your appointment.
