What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) happen when the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face aren’t working properly.
This can be caused by habits like mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or the tongue resting in the wrong position. Sometimes, a tongue-tie can also play a role.
Over time, these patterns can affect breathing, sleep, speech, and how the teeth and jaw develop.
The good news? With myofunctional therapy, we can retrain these muscles to support healthier breathing, better sleep, and long-term function.
Common Symptoms often associated with
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Restful
Sleep
Poor Sleep
&
Snoring
Allergies
&
Asthma
Jaw & Facial
Pain
Difficulty Swallowing
&
Digestion Problems
Brain Fog
&
Fatigue
Open Mouth
Position & Breathing
Headaches, Neck &
Shoulder pain
Speech & Behavioral Problems
Ortho Relapse
&
Tongue-Tie
Benefits and Goals of Myofunctional Therapy
Nasal Breathing
For a stronger immune system
Nasal breathing is how the body is designed to breathe. The nose helps filter out dust, allergens, bacteria, and viruses—making it your body’s first line of defense and an important part of a healthy immune system.
When we breathe through the mouth instead, we miss out on those protective benefits, which can contribute to congestion, allergies, and poor-quality sleep.
Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the body to breathe through the nose. This includes simple nasal hygiene routines and targeted breathing exercises to keep the airway clear and functioning well.
Many clients also notice improvements in allergy symptoms, better sleep, and even reduced asthma flare-ups with consistent practice.
Lip Closure
For Restful Sleep
Did you know mouth breathing is often one of the first signs of sleep-disordered breathing?
In myofunctional therapy, you’ll learn simple exercises to strengthen the lips and support a natural, closed-mouth posture—both during the day and while you sleep.
Keeping the mouth closed at night helps promote better airflow, which can lead to deeper sleep, improved focus, and more energy throughout the day.
High Resting Tongue Placement
For Good Jaw Development & Straight Teeth
The tongue plays a key role in how the jaw and teeth develop. When it rests in the right position, it helps support proper growth and alignment.
A low tongue posture or restrictions like a tongue-tie can lead to issues like jaw tension, clenching, worn teeth, and even head, neck, or shoulder discomfort.
During your evaluation, we’ll assess tongue function and check for any restrictions. If needed, you’ll be connected with a trusted local provider for further care.
Functional Swallow Pattern
For Good Nutrition
Early habits like thumb sucking or extended pacifier use can affect how a child’s mouth and jaw develop.
When the upper jaw is narrow or the tongue isn’t in the right position, it can make breathing, chewing, and swallowing less efficient.
A forward tongue movement (often called a tongue thrust) can impact how well food is chewed and cleared from the teeth—sometimes contributing to cavities or sensitivity to certain textures.
Myofunctional therapy helps retrain a healthy swallow pattern to support better nutrition, oral health, and overall function.
Testimonials
Services
As your Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, I’m committed to helping you live a better and healthier life through treating Orofacial Muscular Disorders. I will create a personalized 12-15 session program done in person. Together, we’ll work on strengthening any facial muscle weaknesses, reducing chronic jaw joint pain, learning proper nasal hygiene, preparing existing tethered oral tissues before and after surgery and providing referrals to other specialists if deemed necessary.
Your Airway Health Starts Here
Contact Info
Phone
Address
909 - 702 - 6745
Main Office:
13925 City Center Drive
Suite 200-236
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Zoom out on map to view other locations in Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is in no way considered to be medical advice, and is in no way intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease, symptom or condition. Medical advice should be obtained from an appropriately qualified and licensed medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before you begin any fitness, exercise, nutrition, or weight loss program, or any other change in lifestyle.
