In adults, orofacial myofunctional disorders can directly or indirectly impact a person’s ability to chew, swallow, speak, body posture, and breathe.

Typically, a clinician or speech pathologist will recommend a myofunctional therapist to assist with mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, swallowing, chewing, sleep-disordered breathing, and other issues.

A myofunctional therapist will customize a program of specific exercises to retrain the muscles in your face, mouth, tongue, and throat.

Examples of daily exercises include facial and tongue movements, behavior modification techniques to promote proper tongue position, breathing exercises, and chewing and swallowing exercises.

Oral corrections are usually retained for years after therapy is completed. Ask your doctor if myofunctional therapy would be beneficial for your eating, breathing and sleeping issues.