From Snoring to Smiling: One Child's Journey Through Myofunctional Therapy

Dr. Dina Chehab
Nov 6
3 min read

When six-year-old Lucas first visited Urbana Pediatric Dentistry in Ijamsville, MD, his parents were simply concerned about his loud snoring and constant fatigue. But during his dental exam, we uncovered something more: a group of subtle signs pointing to a deeper issue—orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).

With the help of myofunctional therapy, Lucas's journey led to better breathing, improved sleep, and a smile that now reflects his thriving health and confidence.

The Clues Were Hiding in Plain Sight

Lucas’s mom mentioned he was waking up tired, struggling to concentrate in school, and breathing through his mouth even while eating. She thought these were just quirks—but as a pediatric dentist, I’ve learned to look a little closer.

During his exam, I noticed several signs that raised red flags:

Narrow, high-arched palate
Tongue resting low and forward
Anterior open bite (a space between the top and bottom front teeth)
Mouth breathing and dry lips
Signs of tongue thrust when swallowing
Mild gingivitis due to chronic open-mouth posture

These are hallmark symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders, a condition where the muscles of the face and mouth don't function properly. OMDs can impact jaw growth, breathing, speech, sleep, and even behavior.

Understanding the Connection: Why Myofunctional Therapy?

While many assume orthodontics alone can correct crooked teeth, Lucas’s challenges were more than cosmetic. His mouth breathing and tongue thrust were affecting how his jaw and facial muscles were developing—and contributing to poor sleep.

I explained to his parents that although braces might help reposition the teeth, they wouldn’t address the root cause. That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in: a science-backed, muscle-based therapy that retrains the way children breathe, chew, speak, and rest their tongue.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the face and mouth. It helps children develop proper oral habits by strengthening facial muscles and promoting nasal breathing.

Lucas began a personalized therapy plan with one of the certified myofunctional therapists we frequently collaborate with. His treatment included fun and effective exercises such as:

Tongue “push-ups” to encourage better posture and tone
Nasal breathing drills to reduce mouth breathing
Tongue “spot” training to teach correct resting position
Swallow retraining to eliminate tongue thrust patterns
Daily use of a Myo Munchee, a chewable device that supports oral motor development

His therapist kept things fun with games, stickers, and rewards. Parental support was also a big part of his success.

Why This Matters for Your Child

Lucas’s story isn’t unusual. Many children suffer from the effects of undiagnosed oral muscle dysfunction. Mouth breathing, restless sleep, speech issues, and behavioral concerns are often misattributed to other causes.

Myofunctional therapy can support:

Healthier jaw and facial development
Improved airway function and breathing
Better sleep quality and daytime focus
Reduced need for orthodontics later in life
Enhanced speech clarity and chewing function

In some cases, we also identify tongue ties or lip ties that may require a frenectomy to achieve optimal results.

As a board-certified pediatric dentist, it’s my job to connect the dots and help parents understand the role oral development plays in whole-body health. Early intervention truly makes a difference.

Could Myofunctional Therapy Help Your Child?

If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, has difficulty eating or speaking, or shows signs of poor sleep—trust your instincts. These concerns are common, but they’re also treatable.

We’re here to support your child’s growth from the inside out—not just with cleanings and checkups, but with personalized care designed to help them thrive.