Introduction

Many parents are surprised to learn that issues like unclear speech, picky eating, or even chronic mouth breathing may be rooted in how their child uses the muscles of the face and mouth. These seemingly minor concerns can impact not just day-to-day function but long-term growth and development. Myofunctional therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to support children in developing healthy oral habits that affect speech clarity, chewing, swallowing, and even how the face grows.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a specialised form of physical therapy focused on the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. It aims to retrain improper muscle patterns through a series of exercises designed to improve function. These exercises can help correct:

• Tongue posture
• Mouth breathing
• Swallowing mechanics
• Lip seal
• Facial muscle balance

While it’s commonly used for sleep-disordered breathing or orthodontic concerns, its benefits for children’s speech and developmental needs are increasingly being recognised.

The Link Between Orofacial Muscles and Child Development

Children’s oral and facial muscles play a vital role in many aspects of daily function. When these muscles do not work in harmony, it can lead to what is known as “orofacial myofunctional disorders” (OMDs). These disorders may contribute to:

• Difficulty articulating certain speech sounds
• Problems chewing and swallowing
• Poor jaw and facial development
• Tongue thrust or prolonged use of pacifiers and thumb-sucking

Myofunctional therapy helps address the root of these issues by encouraging proper function and strengthening the right muscle groups.

Speech Development: A Hidden Benefit

Children who have difficulty producing clear sounds or are undergoing speech therapy may also benefit from myofunctional therapy. That’s because poor oral posture—like a low resting tongue or open mouth posture—can affect how sounds are formed. For example:

• A forward tongue position may interfere with the proper pronunciation of “S,” “T,” and “L” sounds.
• Weak lip or cheek muscles may reduce clarity or volume during speech.

By strengthening the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, myofunctional therapy can support speech clarity and complement traditional speech-language therapy. This integrated approach is especially useful when speech delays are linked to muscle function.

Chewing and Swallowing: Not Just About Food

Healthy chewing and swallowing aren’t only about getting nutrition—they also stimulate jaw development and teach muscle coordination. Children with OMDs may:

• Prefer soft foods to avoid chewing
• Struggle to move food around the mouth
• Swallow with an incorrect tongue position (e.g., tongue thrust)

Myofunctional therapy uses step-by-step exercises to train the child in proper chewing patterns and tongue placement. Over time, this leads to stronger oral muscles, better digestion, and reduced risk of dental crowding or misalignment due to tongue pressure on the teeth.

Facial Growth and Structure

The face develops rapidly during early childhood, and how a child breathes, chews, and uses their facial muscles can influence that growth. For example:

• Chronic mouth breathing may lead to longer, narrower faces and underdeveloped jaws.
• Improper tongue posture may result in a high, narrow palate, affecting dental and sinus development.

Through targeted exercises and habit correction, myofunctional therapy promotes proper muscle use that supports natural, balanced facial development. In some cases, early therapy can reduce or eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic work later on.

Who Might Need Myofunctional Therapy?

Parents should consider a myofunctional evaluation if their child shows signs such as:

• Difficulty pronouncing certain speech sounds
• Chronic mouth breathing or snoring
• Frequent drooling or open mouth posture
• Issues with chewing or food avoidance
• Thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use
• Tongue thrust or visibly incorrect swallowing

Early intervention often yields better results, especially before the bones of the face are fully developed. Speech-language therapists, paediatric dentists, orthodontists, or ENT specialists may refer children for therapy based on these signs.

What Happens in a Typical Session?

Therapy typically begins with an assessment of the child’s oral muscle function, posture, and habits. A personalised program is then created, which may include:

• Tongue exercises to improve tone and posture
• Lip and cheek strengthening routines
• Breathing retraining techniques
• Swallowing and chewing practice

Sessions are usually short, engaging, and adapted to the child’s age. Parental involvement is often essential, as daily home practice is key to long-term success.

When to Combine with Other Treatments

Myofunctional therapy is not always a standalone solution. For children with structural issues like tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), enlarged tonsils, or significant dental misalignment, collaboration with other specialists is important. In these cases, therapy may support recovery after surgical correction or enhance the outcomes of orthodontic treatment.

Final Thoughts

Myofunctional therapy is a gentle, proactive way to support a child’s development in areas that are often overlooked: speech, chewing, and facial structure. While many parents first notice symptoms like unclear speech or messy eating, the long-term benefits go far beyond day-to-day function. When introduced early, myofunctional therapy can set the foundation for better breathing, clearer speech, stronger muscles, and confident smiles.

If you’re concerned about your child’s oral habits or development, consider seeking a consultation with a myofunctional therapist or asking your child’s healthcare provider for a referral. Empowering your child’s growth starts with understanding how even small muscle habits can make a big difference.