Myofunctional Therapy for Kids: From Snoring to Healthy Smiles

Dr. Dina Chehab
Dec 18, 2025
3 min read

By Dr. Dina Chehab, DDS

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Urbana Pediatric Dentistry | Ijamsville, Maryland. Serving Urbana & Frederick County families

When six-year-old Lucas first came to Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, his parents weren’t worried about his teeth—they were worried about his snoring, restless sleep, and constant fatigue.

Like many parents, they assumed he would “grow out of it.”

But during Lucas’s dental exam in our Ijamsville, MD office, we uncovered signs that pointed to something deeper: an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD)—a condition that affects how the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face function together.

With the help of myofunctional therapy for kids, Lucas’s story changed. His breathing improved. His sleep became more restful. And his smile began to reflect a child who was truly thriving.

Myofunctional Therapy for Kids: The Signs Were there are Along

During the visit, Lucas’s mom shared that he:

Snored loudly at night
Woke up tired despite a full night’s sleep
Had difficulty concentrating at school
Breathed through his mouth—even while eating

During his exam, I noticed several red flags that often go unnoticed:

Narrow, high-arched palate
Tongue resting low and forward instead of on the palate
Anterior open bite (space between top and bottom front teeth)
Chronic mouth breathing and dry lips
Tongue thrust during swallowing
Mild gingivitis related to open-mouth posture

These findings are classic indicators of orofacial myofunctional disorder, which can impact:

Jaw and facial growth
Airway development
Sleep quality
Speech clarity
Behavior and attention

Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters

Many families assume orthodontics alone can fix issues like crooked teeth or bite concerns. But in Lucas’s case, the problem wasn’t just tooth position—it was muscle function.

I explained to his parents that while braces can move teeth, they don’t correct:

Mouth breathing
Improper tongue posture
Abnormal swallowing patterns

That’s where pediatric myofunctional therapy plays a critical role.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy for Kids?

Myofunctional therapy is a science-based, muscle-retraining program—often described as physical therapy for the face and mouth.

It helps children learn to:

Breathe through their nose
Rest their tongue in the proper position
Swallow correctly
Develop balanced oral and facial muscles

Lucas began a customized therapy plan with a certified myofunctional therapist we collaborate closely with. His program included:

Tongue “push-ups” to improve strength and posture
Nasal breathing exercises to reduce mouth breathing
“Tongue spot” training for correct resting position
Swallow retraining to eliminate tongue thrust
Daily use of a Myo Munchee, a chewable oral-motor device

Sessions were fun, engaging, and age-appropriate—with games, encouragement, and lots of positive reinforcement. Parental involvement played a huge role in his success.

Why Early Myofunctional Therapy Can Be Life-Changing

Lucas’s story is more common than many parents realize.

Children with undiagnosed oral muscle dysfunction may experience:

Chronic mouth breathing
Poor sleep quality
Speech challenges
Behavioral or attention concerns
Increased orthodontic needs later

Myofunctional therapy for kids can support:

Healthier jaw and facial development
Improved airway function
Better sleep and daytime focus
Reduced risk of relapse after orthodontics
Clearer speech and more efficient chewing

In some cases, we may also identify a tongue tie or lip tie, which could require a frenectomy for optimal results.

Could Myofunctional Therapy Help Your Child?

If your child:

Snores regularly
Breathes through their mouth
Has restless sleep
Struggles with speech or chewing
Shows signs of fatigue or poor focus

…it may be time for an evaluation.

As a board-certified pediatric dentist, my role is to look beyond teeth and help families understand how oral development connects to whole-body health. Early intervention truly matters.