Myofunctional therapy is applied to the 5 basic mouth functions:

Physiologic Rest Posture
Saliva swallowing
Chewing and swallowing food
Liquid swallows
Speech

Myofunctional Therapy corrects the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles for oral functions. A proper physiologic rest posture of the mouth includes the following:

- The tongue should be positioned on the roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth.
- The jaws should be slightly apart.
- The lips should be closed.
- Breathing should be through the nose.

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Tongue Thrust

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In a tongue thrust, the tongue pushes against or between the front or side teeth during chewing, swallowing, and/or speaking, rather than lifting up to the roof of the mouth. When the mouth does not rest in the physiologic rest posture and/or when there is a tongue thrust, a cascade of negative impacts can occur. Just as the controlled forces of orthodontic appliances can move teeth, the abnormal functions and postures related to myofunctional disorders can influence the development of dental malocclusion, affect the position of the teeth, contribute to an improper bite relationship between the teeth in the upper and lower arches, cause a malformation of the bone of the dental arches, negatively influence the development of the facial structure, affect speech articulation, contribute to sleep-related breathing disorders, and affect general health and well-being.​

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Speech Articulation and Myofunctional Disorders…

81% of children with speech articulation issues also have myofunctional issues, and if the myofunctional issue is not treated, the speech articulation challenge may never fully resolve.

Thumb/Finger Sucking, Nail Biting, & Pacifier Programs

At Simply Speech and Language, we offer successful programs to help stop thumb/finger sucking, nail biting, and pacifier use. Our Thumbs Up! program has been used for close to 40 years with complete success. Our approach is positive, friendly, fun, easy, and extremely rewarding, and your child will be proud of his/her accomplishments! We will work closely with you and your family to ensure your child’s success.

Often times when there is a prolonged sucking habit or other oral habit,, there are also concomitant orofacial myofunctional problem. Sucking habits and other habits cause the muscles of the mouth to develop differently. Often times, myofunctional therapy may also be necessary to rehabilitate the muscles after a prolonged sucking habit has been stopped. 

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