If you’ve noticed that you wake up with a tired jaw or breathe through your mouth throughout the day, you might be wondering what is going on and how you can fix it. At Markham Dental, our team can help you retrain these muscles to support their function, address the issues they can cause, and improve your comfort.
Myofunctional therapy is a specific exercise program that helps you correct improper tongue placement, lip seal, and swallowing patterns. This treatment focuses on strengthening and retraining the muscles of the face and mouth to support healthy breathing patterns, oral posture, and swallowing habits.
The Basics of Muscle Therapy
What Is Myofunctional Therapy and Who Needs It?
Sometimes called orofacial myology, this therapy involves a targeted approach to retraining the muscles of your tongue, mouth, and face. This process supports healthier oral posture, swallowing habits, and clear breathing patterns.
You may benefit from this care if you notice mouth breathing, struggle with a firm lip seal, or deal with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It can also address swallowing difficulties or discomfort after orthodontic work, and helps children move past thumb-sucking habits or recover after tongue-tie treatments.
What to Expect at a Session
A typical visit focuses on retraining your facial muscles to work together. You’ll learn specific movements that target weak areas around your lips and jaw, and how to strengthen them through exercises over time.
A major part of the session looks at your tongue placement and swallowing habits. You’ll practice resting your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth rather than pressing against your teeth, which helps protect your teeth from unwanted shifting.
You can also receive short routines to practice in the comfort of your own home. The dentist can provide clear steps, so you know exactly what to do between visits. This home practice helps your body build new muscle memory.
Signs You Might Need a Treatment Plan
Common Physical Symptoms
Your body may be giving you some hints that your facial muscles need some extra attention. For example, you may benefit from myofunctional therapy if you notice that you:
- Mouth breathe throughout your day
- Have loud snoring issues or sleep apnea
- Have the tendency to suck your thumb or bite your nails
When to Seek Help
This treatment can be started at any point in adulthood. Many people begin to notice jaw tension from stress and finally decide to address the underlying issue. These exercises are designed to help relieve the pressure put on your face and jaw while helping address contributing muscle habits.
Connection to Sleep Apnea & Snoring Habits
Restful Sleep Solutions
A blocked airway can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted the next morning. But when your throat muscles stay firm, it can support your breathing throughout the night. Myofunctional therapy may be recommended alongside other treatments for some people with obstructive sleep apnea.
Proper tongue position also helps keep your airway open while you rest. For some people, improved tongue posture may help reduce snoring and support better airflow during sleep.
This therapy can also complement treatments like clear aligner trays or Invisalign®. This may help support orthodontic stability when your tongue stops pressing against them at night. This combined approach protects your smile while supporting healthy sleep patterns.
Simple Home Practice Routines
Daily Practice Tips
Consistency brings lasting changes in muscle memory to your face and jaw. It’s a good idea to practice your exercises regularly to see lasting results, as regular repetition can help turn something that used to be a conscious effort into an automatic physical habit.
You may practice simple tongue lifts and swallow drills every single day. These gentle movements help train your mouth to rest in the correct position naturally. The exercises are designed to be quick so that you can easily fit them in while watching television or taking a shower.
Accessible Care with a Dentist in Markham
Flexible Schedule Options
At Markham Dental, we want your appointment to feel easy. That’s why we offer convenient booking, so you can come in the evening or on a Saturday. Whether you want to call the friendly front desk or book an appointment from your phone, there will be a time that works for you.
Affordable Payment Solutions
We believe that dental care should fit within your monthly budget. Our front desk can direct bill to your insurance for routine visits or help you get set up with a finance plan for larger procedures. This affordable approach helps you get the necessary care right away while managing the expense over time.
Schedule Your Next Visit
Taking care of your facial muscles can help improve your breathing and protect your smile. Our team at Markham Dental is here to provide the guidance you need to build healthy, long-term oral habits. You can book an appointment today to start your journey toward more comfortable breathing and a relaxed jaw.
