Functional Face

What Is Myofunctional Therapy — and Who Is It Actually For?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:25:19 GMT

A science-based therapy that addresses how the mouth, tongue, and face function — and why it matters for breathing, sleep, jaw health, and development.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

You may hear this work referred to as myo, OMT, orofacial myofunctional therapy, or simply myofunctional therapy — and while the names vary, they all refer to the same evidence-informed approach. Myofunctional therapy is a specialized, evidence-informed therapy that focuses on how the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, jaw, and face function at rest and during everyday activities like breathing, swallowing, chewing, speaking, and sleeping.

At its core, myofunctional therapy helps retrain incorrect muscle patterns that can contribute to problems s uch as:

Mouth breathing
Poor tongue posture
Sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea
TMJ pain or jaw dysfunction
Orthodontic relapse
Speech or feeding difficulties
Narrow palates or airway development issues

While many people think of it as “mouth exercises,” that description misses the point. Myofunctional therapy is about restoring normal function — because form follows function.

Why Oral Function Matters More Than You Think

The mouth is not an isolated system.

How your tongue rests, how you breathe, and how your jaw moves directly influence:

Airway size and stability
Facial growth and jaw development (especially in children)
Sleep quality and oxygen levels
Neck posture and muscle tension
Long-term dental and orthodontic outcomes

When function is off — even subtly — the body adapts. Those adaptations often show up later as symptoms we don’t immediately connect back to the mouth. That’s why simply treating symptoms (like teeth crowding, snoring, or jaw pain) without addressing function often leads to frustration or relapse.

Who Is Myofunctional Therapy For?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is broader than most people expect.

Myofunctional therapy is recommended for children who:

Mouth breathe day or night
Snore, sleep restlessly, or grind their teeth
Have enlarged tonsils or adenoids with symptoms
Experience bedwetting, attention issues, or chronic fatigue
Have narrow palates, crowding, or early orthodontic concerns
Struggle with feeding, chewing, or oral habits

Early intervention can play a powerful role in guiding healthy growth and airway development.

Myofunctional therapy can help adults who:

Have obstructive sleep apnea or UARS
Use CPAP or an oral appliance but still feel unwell
Experience TMJ pain, jaw clicking, or facial tension
Clench or grind their teeth
Struggle with chronic mouth breathing or nasal congestion
Have orthodontic relapse after braces

For adults, therapy focuses on restoring proper muscle coordination and airway support , often alongside dental or medical care.

Is Myofunctional Therapy Evidence-Based?

Yes — and the research is growing. Research over the past two decades has increasingly supported myofunctional therapy as a meaningful, evidence-informed approach for improving orofacial function and supporting airway health. While it is not a stand-alone cure for medical conditions, studies consistently show that it can improve function, enhance treatment outcomes, and reduce relapse when used appropriately as part of a comprehensive care plan.

One of the most researched areas is sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea . Multiple studies demonstrate that myofunctional therapy can reduce the severity of sleep apnea, decrease snoring, and improve daytime sleepiness and overall sleep quality in both adults and children. These improvements are thought to occur because airway collapse during sleep is influenced not only by anatomy, but also by muscle tone, coordination, and neuromuscular control of the tongue and upper airway. When used alongside CPAP, oral appliances, or orthodontic expansion, myofunctional therapy has been shown to support airway stability and reduce airway collapsibility. Importantly, it does not replace medical treatment — it enhances it.

Research also supports myofunctional therapy’s role in improving nasal breathing and orofacial rest posture . Studies show improvements in habitual mouth breathing, lip seal, and tongue-to-palate rest posture following therapy. These changes are foundational. Nasal breathing with the tongue resting properly in the palate plays a critical role in airway health, facial development, sleep quality, and nervous system regulation. Without these foundational patterns, other interventions often struggle to hold.

Another well-documented area is orthodontic stability . Improper tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and muscle imbalance are widely recognized contributors to orthodontic relapse. Research suggests that myofunctional therapy can improve muscle balance around the teeth and jaws, support orthodontic expansion and alignment, and improve long-term stability after braces or aligners. In simple terms, if function is not addressed, teeth often move back — even after technically successful orthodontic treatment.

There is also growing research and clinical consensus supporting the use of myofunctional therapy before and after tongue-tie (tethered oral tissue) release . Therapy can improve tongue mobility and coordination prior to release, reduce compensatory movement patterns, and support proper healing afterward. This is critical because a surgical release alone does not automatically restore normal function. Muscles must be retrained to use their new range of motion effectively in order to see meaningful improvements in feeding, speech, breathing, and oral rest posture.

Emerging evidence and interdisciplinary collaboration also support the role of myofunctional therapy in improving surgical outcomes , including orthognathic (jaw) surgery. Surgery changes structure, but it does not automatically retrain neuromuscular function. Myofunctional therapy can help prepare muscles before surgery, support neuromuscular adaptation afterward, and improve how the body integrates new jaw positions into daily function.

For individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction , research supports addressing muscle function, posture, and oral habits as part of conservative management. While TMJ disorders are complex and multifactorial, myofunctional therapy may help reduce muscular tension around the jaw, improve coordination during chewing and swallowing, decrease clenching and grinding behaviors, and support overall joint comfort and stability. Again, it is not a cure-all — but it is a meaningful part of a comprehensive approach.

In children, early intervention with myofunctional therapy has been shown to support oral motor development, efficient chewing and swallowing, reduction of oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrust, and healthier facial and airway development patterns . These interventions are particularly impactful during growth windows, when function can influence long-term structure and airway health.

When used appropriately, orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is one of the most underutilized tools for addressing the functional root causes behind many airway, sleep, jaw, and developmental issues.

How We Approach Myofunctional Therapy at Functional Face™

At Functional Face™, we work with both children and adults using a comprehensive, airway-centered approach.

Your evaluation looks beyond symptoms and examines:

Tongue posture and mobility
Breathing patterns (day and night)
Oral rest posture
Swallowing and chewing function
Jaw movement and muscle balance
Sleep and airway risk factors

From there, we create a custom therapy plan designed to support long-term functional change — not just short-term improvement.

Considering Myofunctional Therapy? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’ve been told to “wait and see,”
If treatments haven’t fully worked,
Or if something just doesn’t feel right…

That’s often a sign that function hasn’t been fully addressed. The best place to start is with a comprehensive evaluation.

Schedule a myofunctional evaluation or consultation here . We can't wait to help you eat, breathe, sleep, and feel better.

What Your Provider May Be Missing: The Real Truth About Tongue Ties

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:05:50 GMT

Why so many children and adults are overlooked—and what a real functional assessment should include.

Most people who walk through my door aren’t coming in because they know they have a tongue tie. In fact, the majority have no idea. They come because something hasn’t been adding up—feeding struggles, gagging, choking, speech concerns, restless sleep, mouth breathing, jaw tension, or a long list of symptoms no one has been able to explain. Occasionally a dentist, orthodontist, or therapist has suggested they get checked, but more often than not, the family is simply searching for the root cause of ongoing problems.

And when we dig deeper during an evaluation—when we look at how the tongue actually moves, rests, stabilizes, and supports breathing and swallowing—we often find that a tongue tie is at the center of the issue. Not always, but far more often than people expect.

This is where so many families get stuck. Providers may have said everything “looks fine,” or “there’s no string,” or “they can stick out their tongue.” Yet the symptoms persist. That’s because most healthcare training focuses o n what the tongue looks like, not whether it can function t he way the body needs it to.

A Real Client Story (And One We See Often)

Not long ago, I evaluated a 12-year-old boy who had been struggling for years with open-mouth posture, frequent gagging, and choking episodes severe enough to send his family to the emergency room more than once. He had been in speech therapy for years but still couldn’t master certain sounds. His mother had taken him to pediatricians, ENTs, emergency rooms, and multiple therapists—yet no one could explain why he continued to struggle.

When I asked him to lift his tongue, the restriction was immediately clear. His mother’s eyes filled with tears—not out of fear, but out of relief. After twelve years of searching for answers, someone had finally looked under his tongue and found what others had missed. Stories like his are not rare. They walk into our office every single week.

What a Tongue Tie Actually Is

A tongue tie is not defined by how the frenulum looks but by how the tongue functions. A healthy tongue should be able to elevate fully to the palate, move side to side, create a stable suction seal, support efficient chewing and swallowing, maintain correct oral rest posture, and contribute to nasal breathing and facial development.

A restricted tongue may struggle with these tasks even if it can stick out of the mouth. Many people compensate by using their jaw, neck, or facial muscles to “fake” movements their tongue cannot perform. This can lead to messy or slow eating, speech distortions, mouth breathing, gagging, tension, dental crowding, sleep disruptions, and TMJ symptoms.

Mid-tongue restrictions and submucosal ties often don’t look dramatic, which is why they are frequently missed during quick visual checks.

Why Tongue Ties Get Missed

Most providers are caring and well-intentioned, but tongue ties are simply not covered deeply in standard training. Evaluations tend to focus on what is visible rather than on how the tongue performs. Because of this, functional problems are overlooked. Children and adults also adapt. They learn compensations that make things appear “good enough,” even though the effort required is significantly higher. A child may appear to eat normally but work twice as hard to chew. An adult may have clear speech but carry constant tension in their jaw, neck, or face. These adaptations hide the underlying restriction.

What a Functional Evaluation Includes

A true functional evaluation looks at how the tongue behaves in real tasks—chewing, swallowing, speaking, resting, and breathing. It assesses whether the tongue can lift without compensation, maintain stability, coordinate with surrounding muscles, and support proper oral and airway health.

This type of evaluation answers the questions families have been trying to solve for years:

Is this truly a tongue tie?
Is a release necessary?
If so, when is the right time?
What therapy is needed to prepare the muscles?
How do we prevent reattachment and protect long-term results?

Common Symptoms People Never Associate With Tongue Ties

Symptoms vary by age, but many share the same functional root. Infants may struggle with latch, milk transfer, prolonged feeds, or reflux-like symptoms.
Children, teens, and adults may experience slow or messy eating, gagging, choking on certain foods, speech challenges, mouth breathing, restless sleep, tongue fatigue, neck tension, swallowing difficulties, dental crowding, or sleep-disordered breathing. These symptoms are not quirks. They are signals that the tongue may not be able to do its job.

Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters

Myofunctional therapy plays a crucial role in determining whether a release is necessary, improving muscle function before surgery, supporting wound healing, preventing reattachment, and normalizing oral function. Research consistently shows that outcomes are significantly better when therapy is used before and after a release.

When to Seek an Evaluation

If anything in this article sounds familiar—whether for you or your child—a functional evaluation can finally provide clarity. You do not need to guess or feel dismissed. You deserve answers that make sense and a plan that supports long-term breathing, feeding, sleep, and function. Schedule a pediatric or adult evaluation by calling 812-549-0183 or click here .

When Mouth Breathing Hides in Plain Sight: 7 Subtle Signs You or Your Child May Be Struggling With Airway Function

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:57:54 GMT

How to spot mouth breathing and hidden airway problems—at any age—before they impact sleep, health, or facial development.

Most parents I meet don’t come in because they think their child has an airway disorder. They come because something just feels off, or because a dentist or orthodontist suggested an evaluation and they aren’t totally sure why. Sometimes they’ve been noticing little things for months but didn’t realize there could be a deeper cause.

Their child sleeps with their mouth open
Or they’re always tired (or wired)
Or their face looks a little long or narrow
Or brushing teeth is a battle because the tongue is always in the way.

Nine times out of ten, these small clues point to something deeper—a hidden airway issue that has quietly been affecting sleep, jaw development, behavior, and long-term health. Mouth breathing isn’t just a habit. It isn’t simply “how someone sleeps.” It is almost always a compensation—your body choosing an easier path when nasal breathing is too difficult. And because it can hide in plain sight, it often goes unnoticed for years.

My goal with this post is to help you recognize the subtle early signs that something may be going on beneath the surface, in a way that feels simple, supportive, and empowering. If one of these sounds familiar, it may be time for an airway-focused evaluation for you or your child.

1. Restless or Noisy Sleep, Even Without Snoring

Parents often tell me, “She’s not a loud snorer, she just breathes heavy,” or, “He moves constantly but he doesn’t snore.”

Restless sleep is its own red flag. Constant movement, sweating, tossing, noisy breathing, or frequent repositioning often mean the airway is working harder than it should.

A child or adult with optimal nasal breathing sleeps still, quietly, and deeply.

When the body struggles for air during sleep, it cannot rest properly. This can lead to morning grogginess, irritability, trouble focusing, mood changes, and slow mornings. This is often one of the earliest clues something is off.

2. Open-Mouth Rest Posture During the Day or Night

If you notice yourself or your child sitting, watching TV, reading, or sleeping with the lips apart and the tongue low in the mouth, this is not normal oral rest posture. Healthy rest posture includes closed lips, the tongue sealed to the palate, and quiet nasal breathing. When this pattern is missing, the face and jaw adapt over time. This can lead to narrow palates, crowded teeth, long-face patterns, and increased strain on the airway.

3. Chronic Messy Eating or Difficulty Chewing

Most parents do not realize that messy eating or chewing challenges can be related to airway and oral function.

If a child chews with their mouth open, takes a long time to chew certain textures, tires easily during meals, or looks uncoordinated while eating, it may indicate low tongue tone, poor oral coordination, or mouth breathing. Efficient chewing requires a stable, closed lip seal. Messy eating is not simply a quirk—it is often a functional sign.

4. Behavioral Signs That Look Like ADHD

Airway issues commonly present with symptoms that resemble ADHD, including hyperactivity, poor focus, emotional ups and downs, difficulty sitting still, or irritability. A tired brain behaves like an overwhelmed brain. Many families come in concerned about ADHD only to discover that the child is experiencing disrupted sleep and airway strain. When breathing improves, behavior often follows.

5. Chronic Allergies, Stuffy Nose, or Frequent Congestion

Mouth breathing is frequently a response to nasal obstruction. If a child is always congested, sounds nasally, or has chronic allergies, the body naturally defaults to mouth breathing. Over time, this becomes a habit even when congestion gets better. Nasal obstruction combined with low tongue posture places constant stress on the airway.

6. Crooked Teeth, Narrow Palate, or Early Dental Crowding

Dentists and orthodontists often notice the effects of airway dysfunction before anyone else does. Signs such as a narrow palate, crossbite, open bite, crowded teeth, or a high vaulted palate can reflect long-standing mouth breathing or low tongue posture. The tongue is the body’s natural palate expander. When it rests low instead of up against the palate, the palate grows narrow, reducing nasal space and creating a smaller airway. Mouth breathing does not only affect the airway—it influences overall facial development.

7. Occasional Snoring, Even If It Seems Minor

There is no amount of snoring in children that is considered normal. Not light snoring. Not occasional snoring.

Snoring is vibration from airway resistance, and any resistance indicates strain.

In adults, even occasional snoring can signal early airway collapse, restricted nasal breathing, low tongue posture, or a dysfunctional swallow pattern.

Snoring only when tired, sick, or lying on the back still matters. A stable airway should remain stable in all positions.

Why These Signs Matter

Airway issues often appear gradually, long before sleep apnea or significant dental problems develop. Families commonly assume these traits are part of a child’s personality.

“He’s just a noisy sleeper.”
“She’s always been messy at meals.”
“He just breathes with his mouth open sometimes.”
“She just has a little bit of allergies—they're no big deal.”

Early identification is powerful. Addressing airway function early—breathing patterns, tongue posture, nasal airflow, and swallowing—can dramatically improve sleep quality, facial growth, orthodontic stability, behavior, and overall health. Airway health is foundational health.

What To Do If These Signs Sound Familiar

There is no need to panic, wait and see, or try to figure it out alone.

The next step is a functional evaluation.

At Functional Face™, we assess tongue posture and strength, lip seal, nasal breathing, sleep symptoms, chewing and swallowing, muscle patterns, facial growth, and both dental and airway red flags. From there, we build an individualized plan that supports long-term breathing, sleep, and development.

Ready to Get Answers?

If you are reading this and thinking, “This sounds a lot like my child,” or, “This explains exactly how I’ve been feeling,” you are not alone.

You can schedule an evaluation by calling 812-549-0183 here: https://www.functionalfaceomt.com/services You will find options for both pediatric and adult evaluations.

Early support can change the entire trajectory of your or your child’s airway health. We are here to help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and thrive.

Is Your Child Breathing Well at Night? The Hidden Signs of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:48:56 GMT

Subtle sleep and breathing problems in children are often missed — even without snoring or gasping — but they can quietly impact your child’s growth, behavior, and brain development.

Many parents assume that if their child isn’t snoring loudly or gasping for air, everything must be fine. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children is often subtle — and often missed. Even mild breathing problems during sleep can affect how a child grows, learns, and behaves.

At Functional Face, we see this every week: smart, loving parents who sense something isn’t right, but their concerns have been brushed off because their child’s sleep study “looked normal.” Let’s explore what’s really happening — and what signs you can watch for.

What Is Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children?

Sleep-disordered breathing refers to any condition that interferes with your child’s ability to breathe smoothly and consistently during sleep. It exists on a spectrum — from mouth breathing to snoring to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Even when there’s no gasping or pauses, restricted airflow or mouth breathing can fragment sleep and stress the growing body.

According to research published by the University of Chicago Medicine , children with untreated sleep apnea show loss of gray matter in brain regions tied to memory, mood, and executive function. In other words, disrupted breathing at night can alter how the developing brain functions — even after just a few nights of poor-quality sleep.

Daytime Signs Parents Often Miss

When adults don’t sleep well, they get tired.
When kids don’t sleep well, they often get tired but wired — fidgety, emotional, or unable to focus.

Here are common daytime signs of sleep-disordered breathing:

Trouble waking up in the morning, or seeming “foggy” until late morning
Emotional ups and downs, irritability, or anxiety
Hyperactivity or difficulty focusing (often mistaken for ADHD)
Constant fatigue despite “sleeping all night”
Frequent headaches or dark circles under the eyes
Mouth breathing during the day or chronic congestion
Bedwetting or nighttime accidents past the typical age
Slow growth or poor weight gain

Children don’t have to snore or gasp to have sleep-disordered breathing. Even quiet mouth breathing or restless sleep can signal airway obstruction.

A study published in Pediatrics by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children with even mild sleep-disordered breathing had higher rates of attention, learning, and behavior problems — regardless of how severe their apnea score appeared on testing.

Physical Signs You Can See

Some children show visible clues of airway underdevelopment or chronic mouth breathing. Parents and dentists can often spot these signs long before a sleep study is ever ordered:

Narrow or high-arched (vaulted) palate
Crowded or crooked teeth
Retruded or “set-back” lower jaw
Long, narrow face shape
Small nostrils or nasal obstruction
Lips apart at rest (open-mouth posture)
Dark under-eye circles (“allergic shiners”)

Several studies, including those published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2023) and The Journal of Prosthodontic Research (2024), have confirmed that children with narrow palates, retruded jaws, and longer facial growth patterns are significantly more likely to experience sleep-disordered breathing and pediatric sleep apnea.

What Happens When Breathing Is Disrupted at Night

When the airway narrows during sleep, the body must work harder to get air in.
Each small obstruction triggers brief micro-arousals — pulling the child out of deep, restorative sleep.

Over time, this pattern can:

Reduce deep (slow-wave) and REM sleep
Disrupt hormone and growth regulation
Increase inflammation and oxidative stress
Impact learning, memory, and behavior
Affect jaw and facial development

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found that even children with moderate sleep apnea showed reduced gray matter in areas of the brain that regulate attention, emotional control, and learning — meaning the effects aren’t just physical, but neurological.

Why Many Kids Get Missed

Too often, parents are told:

“Their tonsils aren’t that big.”
“They’re just an active kid.”
“They’ll grow out of it.”

But children don’t have to snore loudly or stop breathing to have a problem. Even mild airway resistance can fragment sleep, stress the body, and alter how the face and jaw develop.

Unfortunately, many pediatricians and ENTs rely solely on sleep study data to guide treatment, even though a “normal” study doesn’t always mean healthy breathing.
That’s why airway-focused providers take a more comprehensive look — at structure, function, and behavior together.

Why It Matters: Growing Brains Need Growing Airway Support

Children’s faces, airways, and brains are still developing — and how they breathe now shapes how their body functions for life. Sleep-disordered breathing isn’t just about snoring or restlessness; it can limit oxygen delivery to the brain and heart, placing stress on vital systems that are still maturing.

Research shows that untreated sleep-disordered breathing in children can lead to loss of gray matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, and emotional regulation, as well as early signs of cardiovascular strain —including higher blood pressure, inflammation, and changes in heart rate variability. These effects can begin quietly, even in children who don’t meet the full criteria for sleep apnea, and may become harder to reverse over time.

The takeaway: even mild breathing disruptions can impact neurological, behavioral, and cardiovascular health. Children don’t simply “grow out of it” — they grow with it.

Healthy nasal breathing supports:

Optimal facial and airway development
Strong jaw alignment and balanced growth
Calm, restorative sleep
Better focus, emotional regulation, and learning capacity

The earlier these issues are addressed, the more adaptable the airway — and the greater the impact on long-term brain, heart, and overall health. Addressing airway and sleep early protects not only your child’s rest, but their lifelong development.

What to Do Next

Watch your child sleep. Look for mouth breathing, restlessness, snoring, sweating, or unusual positions.
Record a short clip. Bring it to your pediatrician or an airway-aware provider.
Schedule a Functional Airway & Sleep Evaluation at Functional Face to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Schedule here or call 81-549-0183
Not quite ready for an appointment?
Take positive steps today with our Tonsil & Adenoid Toolkit — a practical, science-based resource for improving your child’s breathing and sleep naturally.

References

University of Chicago Medicine. Untreated Sleep Apnea in Children Can Harm Brain Cells Tied to Cognition and Mood. (2017).
Marcus CL, Brooks LJ, Draper KA, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):576–584.
Gozal D, et al. Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Executive Function, and Attention in School-Aged Children. Sleep. 2022;45(5):zsac035.
Amin RS, et al. Left Ventricular Function in Children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2009;179(7):659–665.
Villa MP, et al. Behavioral Problems in Children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing. Sleep Medicine. 2015;16(9):1103–1109.
Frontiers in Pediatrics. Craniofacial Determinants of Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing. (2023).
Journal of Prosthodontic Research. Craniofacial Anatomical Factors and Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Narrative Review. (2024).

Before You Say Yes to Surgery: Natural Strategies for Shrinking Enlarged Tonsils & Adenoids in Children

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 03:47:52 GMT

How to give your child every chance at natural healing- before heading to the operating room.

When your child’s tonsils or adenoids are chronically enlarged and blocking their airway, surgery can sometimes be the quickest and most effective solution — and in certain cases, it’s absolutely the right call. But for many families, the idea of surgery feels daunting, and they wonder if there’s another path worth trying first. The good news? In some cases, targeted, natural strategies can help reduce inflammation, improve breathing, and give your child every chance at healing before stepping into the operating room.

Why Size Isn’t the Whole Story

Many parents are surprised to learn that tonsil and adenoid size alone doesn’t always predict airway obstruction. Some children with large tissues breathe fine, while others with smaller ones still have significant sleep and breathing issues. The real concern is function — is your child able to breathe clearly through their nose, sleep deeply, and wake refreshed?

The Airway Ripple Effect

When tonsils and adenoids cause obstruction, it’s not just about snoring. Poor breathing during sleep can affect:

Daytime behavior & focus (think irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty concentrating....in fact many children struggling to breathe well at night often get a misdiagnosis of ADHD)
Normal facial growth & jaw development
Immune system health (more frequent illnesses)
Overall energy & mood

Why “Wait and See” Can Be Risky

It’s common to hear, “Let’s just watch and wait — maybe they’ll grow out of it.” But the truth is, every night of poor sleep is a missed opportunity for growth, brain development, and healing. The longer the airway is compromised, the greater the potential long-term impact.

The Missing Conversation

While enlargement of tonsils and adenoids are most commonly caused by viral and bacterial infections, here’s what often gets left out of the discussion: tonsil and adenoid inflammation can be influenced by things outside the throat — immune triggers, airway habits, allergens, even oral muscle function. If those root causes aren’t addressed, removing the tonsils and adenoids might help temporarily, but breathing problems can still persist.

Why Many Families Explore Natural Support First

Your child only gets one chance at healthy growth, restful sleep, and easy breathing during these vital years. If you’ve been told surgery might be necessary or just to "wait and see", but your heart says, “I want to try everything I can first,” you’re not alone. There are steps you can take — starting today — to give your child every opportunity for natural healing and a clear airway. There are safe, natural, research-supported ways to reduce swelling, improve breathing, and avoid surgery when possible. An organized, step-by-step approach can make all the difference in using these strategies.

Want to see exactly how families are helping their kids breathe and sleep better — without rushing to surgery?

Start with my free guide: Naturally Shrinking Tonsils .

If you’re ready for a clear, organized plan with step-by-step guidance, tools, trackers, and proven strategies so you know exactly what to do each day, the Natural Tonsil & Adenoid Support Toolkit will take you further. Inside, you’ll get my complete natural strategies action plan, an 8-week progress tracker, daily nasal hygiene guide, conversation sheets for specialists, and my favorite product recommendations — all in one easy-to-follow resource.

Ready to give your child every chance at natural healing before surgery? Grab the complete Natural Tonsil & Adenoid Support Toolkit and start today.

Allergies and Oral Dysfunction: More Than a Sniffle

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:00:20 GMT

Understanding the hidden effects of allergies on oral function, facial growth, and airway health.

Most people think of allergies as seasonal annoyances—runny noses, itchy eyes, maybe a box of tissues on standby. But for many children and adults, allergies can have far-reaching effects that go well beyond sneezing. Chronic nasal congestion can quietly disrupt sleep, change breathing patterns, and contribute to long-term issues with jaw development, facial growth, and even TMJ dysfunction.

Over the years, I’ve worked with clients of all ages who’ve been told they “just have allergies,” when in fact, those allergies are impacting their entire airway system—sometimes without them realizing it. Let’s look at how this connection works and why it matters for both kids and adults.

The Allergy–Airway Connection: What Happens When the Nose Doesn’t Work

When someone struggles to breathe through their nose due to allergies—whether from environmental triggers, food sensitivities, or chronic sinus inflammation—they often resort to mouth breathing. While that might seem like a harmless backup plan, it sets off a cascade of changes in how the face, jaw, and airway function.

In children, this compensation can interfere with normal craniofacial development:

Narrowed upper jaw (maxilla)
Elongated face shape
Forward head posture
Crowded teeth or poor bite alignment
Delayed speech or articulation issues

In adults, long-term mouth breathing can contribute to:

TMJ disorders
Head and neck tension
Sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea
Dry mouth, cavities, and gum disease
Poor sleep quality, fatigue, and brain fog

�� Learn more: Six Harmful Consequences of Mouth Breathing- And What To Do About It

�� “The persistence of nasal obstruction during critical growth periods can lead to changes in craniofacial morphology and breathing patterns, often extending into adulthood.”
—Harari et al., AJODO, 2010

Why Tongue Posture Suffers (And Why That Matters)

Whether you’re 5 or 55, your tongue posture plays a vital role in your health. Ideally, the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth, creating gentle pressure that helps shape the palate, support the airway, and guide proper swallowing.

Allergies often cause:

The tongue to drop low in the mouth
Open-mouth rest posture
Dysfunctional swallowing (sometimes called tongue thrust)
A habit of mouth breathing that persists even when congestion improves

For kids, this can impact how their face and airway grow. For adults, it can lead to sleep apnea, clenching or grinding, TMJ pain, and upper airway collapse during sleep.

Sleep, Snoring & Fatigue: How Allergies Sabotage Rest at Every Age

Chronic nasal inflammation makes it harder to maintain nasal breathing overnight. That’s why many people with allergies experience:

Nighttime mouth breathing or snoring
Teeth grinding
Restless sleep
Waking up feeling tired, foggy, or with a dry mouth
In children, behavioral issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty focusing

Adults often chalk these issues up to aging or stress. Kids are often misdiagnosed with ADHD. But poor sleep caused by airway compromise is often the real culprit.

What You Can Do (At Any Age)

1. Treat the root of the allergies.

Work with your doctor or allergist to identify and manage the triggers—dust mites, pollen, food sensitivities, or mold. Conventional treatments like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or sublingual immunotherapy may be helpful—but you don’t have to stop there.

Many families also explore natural options to support the body’s inflammatory response and immune balance, including:

Quercetin – a plant compound with natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties
Bromelain – an enzyme found in pineapple that may enhance the effects of quercetin and reduce sinus swelling
Stinging nettle – sometimes used to calm allergy symptoms naturally
Vitamin C – helps stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine levels
Saline nasal rinses – to flush allergens and open the nasal airway
HEPA air purifiers – especially in bedrooms to reduce airborne irritants

(As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, especially for children or individuals with health conditions.)

2. Restore nasal breathing.

Breathing through your nose isn’t just ideal—it’s essential for healthy oxygen delivery, nitric oxide production, and oral development. If congestion has forced you (or your child) into a habit of mouth breathing, that pattern often sticks—long after the allergy flare has passed.

This is where myofunctional therapy comes in. We work to retrain the tongue, lips, and muscles of the face to support proper breathing and function—so your airway can work the way it was designed to.

Looking at the Big Picture

Whether you're 4, 14, or 40, chronic allergies are not just a comfort issue—they can impact how you breathe, how you sleep, how your face develops, and how your jaw functions. And it’s not just about congestion—it's about the compensation patterns that develop when your airway isn’t working as it should.

If you or your child struggles with allergies, snoring, fatigue, or jaw tension, addressing the root cause and the functional patterns is key to long-term relief.

Want to explore how allergies might be affecting your health, sleep, or facial development? Click here to schedule a consultation or an evaluation.

The Hidden Cost of CPAP in Children: What Every Parent Should Know

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:56:03 GMT

How Long-Term CPAP Use May Affect Facial Growth—and Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy has long been considered a lifeline for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s often prescribed to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep and prevent serious complications. However, growing concerns in the medical and dental communities highlight a hidden issue: long-term CPAP use in children may inadvertently alter facial development and compromise airway health.

Parents are rarely told that a solution for breathing might unintentionally impact their child's growing face. In this post, we’ll uncover what research says about these changes and how integrating myofunctional therapy into your child’s care plan could protect their facial structure—and long-term wellness.

CPAP: A Temporary Tool, Not a Growth-Friendly Solution

CPAP is essential in severe cases of pediatric OSA. However, it was never meant to be a permanent solution—especially in children. While it’s excellent for immediate airway stabilization, it doesn’t address underlying issues like nasal obstruction, poor oral posture, or weak airway muscles.

A landmark 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine followed 100 children with obstructive sleep apnea who used nasal CPAP (nPAP) regularly over 2.5 years. The findings were eye-opening: children who used CPAP experienced midface retrusion , palatal plane rotation , and flaring of maxillary incisors . These are clear signs of craniofacial changes caused by consistent pressure from the mask.

What’s more concerning is that these structural changes can actually narrow the airway further , compounding the very problem CPAP is meant to treat. That’s why CPAP should be seen as a life raft —not a lifestyle.

What the Research Says About Facial Growth and CPAP

The 2016 study (Ref: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Vol. 12, No. 7) highlighted how mechanical pressure from CPAP masks can influence facial bone growth during critical developmental windows. When the midface is retruded, it doesn’t just affect appearance—it alters how a child breathes, chews, and sleeps.

Additional research supports these findings. A 2014 review in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics noted that nasal airflow plays a key role in upper jaw development . When airflow is consistently forced through artificial means (like CPAP), and nasal breathing is bypassed or compromised, normal growth patterns can be interrupted.

How CPAP Masks Can Alter Facial Growth

Children’s faces are not fully formed—they're growing and changing rapidly, especially between the ages of 2 and 12. That’s precisely why long-term external pressure from a CPAP mask can lead to unintended changes. CPAP masks typically rest across the bridge of the nose and midface. When used every night for extended periods, this pressure can cause:

Midface flattening or retrusion
Downward rotation of the palate
Forward flaring of the upper front teeth (maxillary incisors)

These changes are not just aesthetic—they directly impact oral function and airway size. A retruded midface can limit the space behind the nose and in the upper airway, worsening breathing, sleep quality, and even speech. Parents often notice subtle shifts: their child’s profile may appear flatter, or their upper lip less pronounced. These changes may go unaddressed unless seen by a trained airway-focused professional.

Beyond Straight Teeth: Airway Health Comes First

Many families first learn about facial growth problems when they visit the orthodontist. However, orthodontics often focuses on tooth alignment—not necessarily on the underlying form and function of the airway .

Midface changes caused by long-term CPAP use can reduce nasal airway volume, encouraging chronic mouth breathing. This, in turn, reinforces poor oral posture, improper tongue placement, and inefficient swallowing patterns—creating a cycle of dysfunction.

What’s most important to understand is this: a healthy airway is not just about straight teeth , it’s about optimal breathing, restful sleep, and long-term systemic health.

The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Pediatric OSA

This is where myofunctional therapy shines. Myofunctional therapy focuses on training the muscles of the face, tongue, and airway to work in harmony. Through personalized exercises and habit correction, it helps children:

Establish proper tongue posture (up, not down)
Eliminate mouth breathing
Improve nasal breathing and muscle tone
Support normal jaw and facial growth

When combined with other interventions—like CPAP, ENT care, or orthodontics— myofunctional therapy addresses the root of the problem . It’s not just about managing airflow; it’s about restoring healthy function.

Parents, if your child uses CPAP or has signs of sleep-disordered breathing, we encourage you to schedule a myofunctional evaluation. It could be the missing piece that ensures your child not only breathes better but grows better.

Beyond Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery: How Myofunctional Therapy Ensures Lasting Sleep Apnea Relief

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:43:55 GMT

Surgery Alone Isn’t Enough

If your child has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and their doctor has recommended tonsil and adenoid removal (T&A surgery) , you might think that surgery alone will solve the problem. But research shows that without additional treatment, sleep apnea often comes back. That’s because while surgery removes physical blockages in the airway, it doesn’t address how your child breathes and uses their mouth, tongue, and throat muscles —which plays a major role in sleep apnea.

This is where myofunctional therapy (MFTOMT) comes in. Studies show that when children combine T&A surgery with myofunctional therapy, they are much more likely to experience long-term success and avoid future breathing issues.

Dr. Christian Guilleminault, one of the world’s leading sleep researchers, found that children who continued mouth breathing and had poor tongue posture after surgery were much more likely to see their sleep apnea return. His 2015 study, Mouth breathing, nasal disuse, and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing 1 , highlighted that:

✅ Mouth breathing persists even after surgery in many children, leading to airway collapse during sleep.
✅ Poor tongue and orofacial muscle tone can keep the airway from staying open at night.
✅ Without muscle training, the benefits of T&A surgery are often temporary.

Without fixing these functional issues, sleep apnea symptoms can return (or never even leave)—sometimes just a few years after surgery.

How Myofunctional Therapy Helps

Myofunctional therapy trains the tongue, lips, and throat muscles to work properly. It helps children:

✔️ Switch to nasal breathing – This reduces airway inflammation and improves oxygen levels.
✔️ Strengthen airway muscles – A stronger airway stays open during sleep.
✔️ Improve tongue posture – Keeping the tongue in the right place prevents airway collapse.
✔️ Support proper facial and jaw growth – This can help prevent future breathing and orthodontic issues.

What the Research Says

Studies show that when myofunctional therapy is added to T&A surgery:

�� Children maintain better breathing long-term. One study found that kids who did myofunctional therapy after surgery had almost no sleep apnea four years later. Those who didn’t had their symptoms return. 2

�� MFT helps shape healthy facial growth. Research found that kids who did myofunctional therapy after surgery had better facial development, which also improved their breathing. 3

By treating both the structure and function, we give children the best chance at long-term, healthy sleep.

If your child is (or you are) scheduled for tonsil and adenoid removal, adding myofunctional therapy before and after surgery can make a huge difference in their sleep and overall health.

At Functional Face , we specialize in helping young and old breathe, sleep, and thrive with myofunctional therapy. Let’s make sure your child's (or yours) surgery leads to lasting success!

Schedule a Free Consultation Today and learn how we can support your sleep, breathing, and health.

Lee, S. Y., Guilleminault, C., Chiu, H. Y., & Sullivan, S. S. (2015). Mouth breathing, "nasal disuse," and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 19(4), 1257–1264. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-015-1154-6
Koka, V., De Vito, A., Roisman, G., Petitjean, M., Filograna Pignatelli, G. R., Padovani, D., & Randerath, W. (2021). Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Pathophysiological Perspective. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(4), 323. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57040323
Shan, H. Q., Wang, Y. H., Yu, L. M., Li, X. Y., & Liu, Y. H. (2021). Shanghai kou qiang yi xue = Shanghai journal of stomatology, 30(4), 389–393.

Put an End to Nighttime Gnashing With Myofunctional Therapy

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 23:36:07 GMT

Tame tooth grinding for good!

If you've ever woken up to painful sensitive teeth, a headache, or the unpleasant sound of your teeth grinding together – a sound that's not exactly soothing to the ears – you're not alone. Tooth grinding, scientifically known as bruxism, is a common concern that can disturb not only your slumber but also your dental health. But fear not, because there's a game-changing solution that goes beyond mouthguards and sleepless nights – Myofunctional Therapy. Let's delve into how this therapy can put an end to the nightly gnashing, protect your teeth and give you back the peaceful sleep you've been longing for.

Understanding the Grind: What is Bruxism?

Bruxism refers to the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth, usually occurring during sleep. It's not just an irritating noise; bruxism can lead to worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even disruptions in sleep quality. If it happens during the day, stress and misaligned teeth play a role, and the most recent research suggests that oral muscle dysfunction is also to blame. But what about nighttime bruxism? While these other issues may be factors, the most common reason for nighttime tooth grinding is airway disturbances.

The Myofunctional Magic: How it Works

Oromyofunctional therapy (OMT or "myo"), is a natural approach that focuses on training the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to work harmoniously and correctly. By targeting these muscles, which play a key role in jaw and tongue positioning, chewing, and swallowing, myofunctional therapy aims to correct imbalances, restore proper oral function and habituate healthy breathing patterns.

In addition, your myofunctional therapy provider is focused on the root cause and not just treating the symptoms of an oral functional problem.

By working through and ruling out common causes of bruxism and collaboration with other healthcare providers as needed, OMT helps people get to the root of the bruxism. Doing so, helps individuals get the best and lasting outcomes.

Studies Speak Louder Than Words: Efficacy of Myofunctional Therapy for Bruxism

Here's a look at just a little bit of the research that shows how myofunctional therapy improves the quality of life and outcomes of individuals who were tooth grinders:

A study published in the "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine" in 2019 explored the impact of myofunctional therapy on bruxism. The results indicated that participants who underwent myofunctional training experienced a significant reduction in both the frequency and intensity of teeth grinding during sleep .
In a 2020 study featured in the "Journal of Oral Rehabilitation," researchers evaluated the effects of myofunctional therapy on individuals with bruxism-related jaw pain. The study concluded that participants who engaged in myofunctional exercises reported a noteworthy decrease in jaw discomfort and muscle tension .
Another study, published in the "Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine" in 2021, showcased the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy in improving overall sleep quality for bruxism sufferers. Participants who embraced myofunctional training reported better sleep patterns and fewer interruptions caused by grinding .

If you've been silently enduring the effects of bruxism, now is the time to take action. Don't let tooth grinding steal your sleep, damage your teeth or cause you pain any longer. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation or evaluation so we can start working together to put an end to tooth grinding and all the trouble it causes, for good!

Schedule your complimentary consultation or comprehensive evaluation here or give us a call at 812-549-0183 .

Myofunctional Therapy: Bringing Relief to TMJD Sufferers

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:48:20 GMT

Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment option for TMJ pain

If you suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, you know how debilitating and frustrating it can be. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe. You may also experience headaches, ringing in the ears, difficulty eating, speaking, yawning. It can even disrupt your sleep. Perhaps you have tried many things from pain relievers to oral appliances, and yet this you still struggle. Perhaps though, there is one stone you have yet to turnover on your journey toward relief, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT). Oromyofunctional therapy, is a form of exercise therapy for the muscles in the mouth and face, has been shown to be effective in reducing TMJ pain and we have seen consistent success with our clients seeking help with this problem.

So, how exactly does myofunctional therapy help with TMJ? First, it is important to understand what causes TMJ pain. TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, poor posture, and muscle tension. Myofunctional therapy addresses these underlying issues by targeting the muscles and habits that contribute to TMJ pain. By addressing the underlying muscle issues, myofunctional therapy can help alleviate TMJ pain and improve jaw function.

Multiple studies have shown that OMT is a safe and effective strategy to help treat TMJ pain and dysfunction. In one study published in the Journal of Applied Oral Science, participants who underwent eight weeks of myofunctional therapy had significant improvements in TMJ symptoms compared to a control group. Another study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that myofunctional therapy helped improve TMJ pain and jaw function in patients with fibromyalgia.

These studies are supported by a systematic review published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. The review analyzed 27 studies on non-invasive treatments for TMJ disorders, including myofunctional therapy, and found that myofunctional therapy was effective in reducing TMJ pain and improving jaw function, with no adverse effects.

If you're interested in myofunctional therapy as a treatment option for your TMJ disorder, seek out the help certified orofacial myofunctional therapist who can develop a customized treatment plan for you. We have personally had the pleasure of helping many clients get their life back and stop their TMJ pain and dysfunction from running AND ruining their lives. We would love to help you too.

Feel free to reach out to us to schedule a complimentary consultation or comprehensive evaluation here or give us a call at 812-549-0183 .

References:

Joveliu Busquets, E., & Grando Mattuella, L. (2016). Effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy in temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 43(10), 791-799.
Porporatti, A. L., Costa, Y. M., Stuginski-Barbosa, J., Bonjardim, L. R., & Conti, P. C. (2015). Orofacial myofunctional therapy for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 23(3), 268-274.
Rodrigues da Silva, M. A., de Araújo, C. M., de Oliveira, L. C., Ferreira, C. L., & Biasotto-Gonzalez, D. A. (2019). Orofacial myofunctional therapy improves jaw function and reduces pain in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 31(5), 417-423.

Unlocking Better Sleep: How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help Alleviate Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 20:45:35 GMT

Orofacial myofunctional therapy can be a game-changer for those struggling with sleep issues.

If you are struggling with sleep disordered breathing, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may be wondering what treatment options are available to you. While there are various approaches to treating sleep disordered breathing, one effective and often overlooked therapy is myofunctional therapy.

The goal of myofunctional therapy is to improve the function of the muscles used in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. In the context of sleep disordered breathing, myofunctional therapy can be particularly effective because it targets the muscles that play a key role in maintaining an open airway during sleep. Specifically, myofunctional therapy can help to strengthen the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, which can help to prevent airway collapse and improve breathing patterns which helps alleviate symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and OSA.

There are a number of reasons why myofunctional therapy should be a part of your treatment plan if you have sleep-disordered breathing. Here are just a few:

1. It can improve the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in breathing.

When the muscles of the face and mouth are weak or poorly coordinated, it can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Myofunctional therapy can help improve the strength and coordination of these muscles, making it easier to breathe during sleep. Research has shown that myofunctional therapy can lead to significant improvements in breathing patterns and snoring, as well as a reduction in symptoms of OSA (1).

2. It complements other sleep apnea treatments for a more holistic and comprehensive approach

By addressing the underlying muscle dysfunctions, myofunctional therapy can complement other sleep apnea treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or oral appliances, for more effective management of sleep apnea. For many people who rely on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, despite their effectiveness, they can also be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Myofunctional therapy has been shown to improve CPAP compliance and in some cases has reduced the need for CPAP by improving the function of the muscles used in breathing (1,2).

3. It can improve overall quality of life.

Sleep-disordered breathing can have a major impact on quality of life, contributing to daytime fatigue, irritability, and other issues. Myofunctional therapy can help improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and alleviate symptoms of OSA, leading to a better overall quality of life (4).

Of course, myofunctional therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, it is a valuable adjunct to treating sleep disordered breathing that should not be overlooked. If you are struggling with sleep disordered breathing, myofunctional therapy should be considered as part of your treatment plan. It's important to work with a trained professional to determine if it's right for you. If you're interested in learning more about myofunctional therapy and how it can help with sleep-disordered breathing, reach out to us for a complimentary consultation . If you know you're ready to jump in, you can go ahead and schedule your evaluation here, and we'll create a customized treatment plan just for you. Here's to healthy breathing and sleep!

References:

Camacho, M., Certal, V., Abdullatif, J., Zaghi, S., Ruoff, C. M., Capasso, R., & Kushida, C. A. (2015). Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep, 38(5), 669-675.
Guimaraes, K. C., Drager, L. F., Genta, P. R., Marcondes, B. F., Lorenzi-Filho, G., & Prado, L. B. (2009). Effects of oropharyngeal exercises on snoring: a randomized trial. Chest, 136(3), 767-774.
De Felício, C. M., da Silva Dias, F. V., Trawitzki, L. V. V., & Haddad, F. L. (2018). Myofunctional therapy improves adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 22(3), 703–710. doi: 10.1007/s11325-018-1627-4

4. Camacho, M., Guilleminault, C., Wei, J.M., & Bhattacharyya, N. (2019). Oropharyngeal and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) for

snoring: a systematic review and meta- analysis.

How Myofunctional Therapy Can Save Your Marriage

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:38:00 GMT

The effect of snoring in relationships has become a bit of a running joke – but for those that experience it on a regular basis there is NOTHING funny about it. What can help ?

Marital complaints about snoring are common and they can have significant health implications for both partners as well as for their relationship as a whole. Sleep is crucial to proper cognitive function, physical and mental health. Disrupted sleep can cause impairments in judgment, decision making and learning. It can lead to irritability, anxiety and even depression. However, those are not the only ways those affected by chronic snoring can suffer. It can also negatively impact a relationship. Snoring can foster frustration and resentment between partners which can interfere with intimacy and erode their feelings for one another.

A study by Rush University Medical Center involving 10 married participants evaluated sleepiness, quality of life, and marriage satisfaction among wives whose husbands snored heavily. What did they find? Couples with snoring sleep issues argue more and tend to have more disagreements than other couples. The study also found that those who were living with snoring had a higher divorce rate. I was surprised to hear snoring is the third biggest cause for divorce in the United States, just behind infidelity and financial troubles. This isn't just a problem in the US either. In the UK, snoring is currently considered legitimate grounds for divorce and is estimated to be the second most common cause of divorce in the UK under a list of types of “unreasonable behaviour.”

Is snoring taking a toll on your sleep AND relationship?

But it doesn’t have to get to that point! There are some great, effective natural solutions to snoring, one of them is orofacial myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapists are trained to screen for sleep disordered breathing and the therapy they offer has been shown in numerous studies to be effective and have numerous benefits including:

Reducing snoring both objectively and subjectively
Reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, often changing the classification from moderate to mild or even none
Reducing subjective feelings of tiredness significantly
Increasing time spent in deep sleep

As a result, partners report feeling less disturbed and seeing a reduction in conflict arising from snoring!

So, before you head for a sleep divorce (sleeping in separate rooms) or an actual one….get an comprehensive evaluation with an orofacial myologist. Do it for your health AND your relationship. You can schedule your own comprehensive orofacial myofunctional evaluation here.

To review some the evidence for myofunctional therapy in this regard, check out this helpful link: https://www.snorelab.com/oropharyngeal-exercises-for-snoring-whats-the-evidence/

#healthyevansville #snoring #OSA #obstructivesleepapnea #couplestherapy #evv #functionalface

#sleepwell #livewell #dontignorethesnore

Oral Rest Posture 101

Wed, 13 May 2020 01:33:00 GMT

Correct oral rest posture is a main goal of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Learn what is and why it matters.

My Tongue Is Up.

My Lips Are Closed.

And I Am Breathing Through My Nose.

I teach the brief poem above to help my patients remember the right things to do. The only part this poem is missing is that the teeth should be slightly apart...but I have not yet figured out a away to make that rhyme. I'm open to suggestions :).

It might sound too simple to be true, but careful attention to how your lips and tongue rest and the way you breathe can make a world of difference in your overall health.

If you’re listening to a conversation, reading this post, watching television, doing schoolwork, scrolling through Instagram, sleeping, or exercising (basically anything but talking, laughing, or singing):

How the muscles of our mouth and face rest influences how the bones of our jaws and face grow. Improper rest posture is associated with misalignment of teeth, poor occlusion (bad bite), narrow jaws, dysfunctional swallows, disordered breathing, and other harmful health consequences. At minimum, poor oral rest posture can pretty much guarantee a visit to an orthodontist will be in your future. Establishing correct rest posture from infancy will positively impact the way your mouth and face grow, the efficacy and quality of your breathing, and your overall health. If you haven’t been doing this all your life, it’s not too late to change and make a positive difference.

If you find any aspect of correct oral rest posture difficult to do with ease 24/7 (outside of the occasion stuffiness from an illness) seek the help of a certified orofacial myologist who will help you find and address your causes of poor oral rest posture. Please feel free to contact us ,, here or schedule your evaluation ,, here .

#oralrestposture #omt #orofacialmyofunctionaltherapist #orofacialmyology #nasalbreathing #mouthbreathing #airwayhealth #airwayhealthdentistry #openbite #orthodontics #tonguethrust #tonguetie #braces #tonsilsandadenoids #lips #myo #functionalface #myopoem #selftalk #healthyhabits #breathing #womeninbusiness #crookedteeth #freewayspace #lipseal #myofunctionaltherapy #evv #eisforeveryone #evansville #evansvillein #indiana #teletherapy

What to Expect at Your Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 01:33:00 GMT

Meeting with a new healthcare provider can cause some anxiety, especially when you don't know what to expect at that appointment. In this post, I will share what things should be covered in your initial appointment, so you can feel more at ease and prepared for your visit. *

The first thing you need to know is this: new patient appointments take time. At Functional Face, we want you to feel confident, heard, and fully supported from the very beginning. That’s why our initial evaluations for older children and adults typically last 90 minutes.

This may feel longer than you expect, but there’s a good reason for it—your first visit is extremely comprehensive. If therapy is going to be successful, we need to make sure nothing is overlooked. We also want to give you plenty of space to ask questions so you feel comfortable moving forward with care.

Step 1: Getting to Know You

We start by getting acquainted—whether it’s with you or your child. Building rapport matters, especially when therapy involves daily habits and routines.

From there, we review your case and health history. Many patients are surprised when we ask about early feeding experiences, but these often lay the foundation for oral and airway development. Our intake forms also include questions about:

General health and medical history
Eating and oral habits (past and present)
Sleep and airway function
Dental and orthodontic history

This detailed background helps us uncover root causes of your symptoms. Identifying the “why” allows us to design a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and, when appropriate, recommend referrals to trusted specialists.

An orofacial myologist will guide you through a detailed assessment of your breathing, eating, drinking, and swallowing functions and patterns (and more) at your first myofunctional therapy evaulation.

Step 2: Hands-On Evaluation

Once we’ve reviewed your history, the functional assessment begins. In some ways, it may feel similar to a dental visit—we’re up close, observing how your face, lips, tongue, and jaw move.

During this stage, we may:

Take measurements, photographs, and videos of oral structures and functions
Assess facial posture and symmetry
Evaluate breathing patterns and oral habits
Screen for speech difficulties
Observe chewing and swallowing with both a drink and a snack

For kids, the snack portion is usually the highlight (they’re always ready for a snack!). If you or your child have food allergies, please let us know ahead of time so we can make appropriate substitutions.

Step 3: Findings & Next Steps

At the end of your visit, we’ll share our initial findings and answer your questions. While we often provide early insights during the appointment, we don’t finalize recommendations until after reviewing our notes, photos, and measurements.

If an orofacial myofunctional disorder(s) (OMD/S) is identified, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. This may be presented at your first visit or scheduled as a follow-up appointment, depending on complexity. In some cases, we may also recommend collaboration with other providers—such as dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, or speech-language pathologists—to ensure you receive the most complete and effective care.

What’s Included in a Functional Face Evaluation

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect during your initial myofunctional therapy appointment:

Comprehensive review of your case and health history
Photographs and videos of oral structures, functions, and posture
Orofacial examination covering:

Breathing and respiration (daytime and nighttime)
Sleep quality and airway function screening
Oral habits
Facial appearance and growth patterns
Jaw joint and muscle function
Hard and soft tissues of the mouth
Dental occlusion (bite)
Tongue posture, appearance, and movement
Chewing, drinking, and swallowing
Screening for speech difficulties
Review of findings and time for Q&A
Referrals to additional providers (if needed)
Possible treatment plan presentation

Ready to Begin?

We know taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the process clear, supportive, and empowering. By the time you finish your evaluation, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s happening and how therapy can help.

To schedule your comprehensive evaluation with one of our Functional Face therapists please call 812-549-0183 or click here .

#myofunctionaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapyevaluation #myofunctionaltherapyassessment #omt #orofacialmyologist #orofacialmyofunctionaltherapist #tonguethrust #tonguetie #myofunctionaldisorder #orofacialmyofunctionaldisorder #omd #onlinemyofunctionaltherapy #osa #sdb #crookedteeth #snoring

* This post describes the minimum you should expect from an in-office comprehensive orofacial myofunctional assessment. If a therapist has some additional related specialty training they may have more components to the examination. In addition, if an evaluation happens via tele-therapy some adjustments to the evaluation may need to be made.

Why Breast Really Is Best- It's Not What You Think

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 01:33:00 GMT

The benefits of breastfeeding to mom and baby almost seem endless and perhaps you feel you've heard them all. In this post, I'll share one critical function of breastfeeding that many people have not yet heard.

As parents, we all want healthy children that can speak, eat, breathe, sleep, and learn well. Did you know that the success of those everyday, vital functions is greatly affected by how our face, mouth, and airway develops? Would you like to know the secret to help your child’s mouth, face, and airway to grow correctly, right from the infancy? The answer, of course, is in the title. Breastfeed, and do it for as much as you can, as long as you can.

Breastfeeding is the first, and perhaps most critical experience to our orofacial development. We often hear the nutritional benefits of the milk itself, but many are unaware of how critical the actual act of feeding at a breast is for the development of the baby’s jaw, their dental health, and airway development. That is why early feeding history is included in a comprehensive orofacial myofunctional therapy assessment. We are trying to figure out the "why" of the muscle dysfunctions and structural problems present. Their origins can be rooted in early feeding experiences and activities. When appropriate craniofacial and oralfacial development is impeded, problems with speech, eating, breathing, sleeping, and even learning, can result (The details of how this is true will be discussed in another blog post.).

Breastfeeding requires sophisticated muscle movements and coordination from the baby’s jaw and tongue, that just cannot be obtained through the much more passive bottle feeding. The “work” of breastfeeding contributes to the correct development of the jaws and face in a forward direction. As the jaws and face grow forward, so does the airway. (1)

Numerous studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding is a protective factor against malocclusion (incorrect bites and/ or crooked teeth). When compared to bottle-fed babies, exclusively breastfed babies appear to have lower incidence of malocclusions later in life. Breastfeeding up to 6 mos is shown to reduce open bite, over jet, crossbite, and tooth crowding. The longer you breastfeed the greater the reduction in these problems! (2,3)

Breastfeeding is a protective factor against malocclusion and crucial to the appropriate oralfacial and airway development of humans.

What does all that mean in practical terms? You're child will be less likely to need braces or myofunctional therapy and reduce their risk for tooth decay, speech, eating, or breathing issues. In short, you will have healthier child. Totally worth it.

So what can a mother to do if, for one reason or another, she won't be feeding her baby via the breast? Stay tuned for a future post with tips to help your baby's mouth, face, and airway grow their best while being bottle fed.

1. http://www.brianpalmerdds.com/bfeed_oralcavity.html

2. Peres KG, Cascaes AM, Peres MA, et al. Exclusive breastfeeding and risk of dental malocclusion. Pediatrics. 2015;136(1):e60-e67.

3. Thomaz, Erika & Alves, Claudia & Silva, Luciana & Ribeiro, Cecilia & Seabra Soares de Britto e Alves, Maria & Hilgert, Juliana & Wendland, Eliana. (2018). Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding on Malocclusion in Children: A Meta-Analysis Study. Journal of Human Lactation. 34. 089033441875568. 10.1177/0890334418755689.

#breastfeeding #breastfed #jaws #airway #crookedteeth #braces #airwayhealthdentistry #mommaandbaby #babies #breastfedbaby #baby #malocclusion #extendedbreastfeeding #omt #nursing #nursling #milkdrunk #m omtobe #dadtobe #parenting #IBCLC #pregnancy #breastfeedingjourney #normalizebreastfeeding #liquidgold #lactation #newborn #beautifulsmilesstarthere #ohbaby #ebf #bottlefeeding

What You Should Know About NO

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 01:33:00 GMT

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a tiny but mighty molecule in our bodies that can make a huge impact on our total health. Read on to find out about its benefits and how to maximize the Nitric Oxide your body produces.

Nitric Oxide. Have you heard of it? No, not nitrous oxide, nitric oxide. For the majority of my patients, their myofunctional evaluation is the first time they have learned of it.

Nitric oxide is a gas molecule found in all organs of the body. It promotes communication between cells and plays a vital role in regulating several of our biological functions. NO is crucial to our cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nervous, reproductive, digestive and immune systems. Its most vital function is vasodilation. This relaxing of the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causes them to widen, lowering blood pressure and allowing blood, nutrients, and oxygen to travel effectively and efficiently throughout your body. Too little nitric oxide is associated with numerous health problems such as cardiovasular disease, diabetes, alzheimers, pre-eclampsia, and digestive track issues like IBS. A deficiency may initially manifest as fatigue, insomnia, poor memory, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, bladder problems, asthma or poor lung function.

So how can we make sure we have adequate NO in our bodies? There are several, but let's keep it simple and focus on just two.

One way is our diet. Some nitric oxide boosting foods to incorporate in our diet are:

-beets

-green leafy vegetables (of course, what are they not good for :) )

-meat

-nuts and legumes AND my 2 favorites... dark chocolate and red wine. Those two should be easy to incorporate in your diet, right? ;)

Number two is really simple, at least it should be. BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE, all the time, day and night. Enzymes found in the nose, but mainly the paranasal sinuses, produce the majority of our nitric oxide. Let's not bypass the best and most efficient way for our body to get its necessary nitric oxide! If you can't easily breathe through your nose and/ or have a habit of mouth breathing, seek the help of a certified orofacial myologist. They are experts at helping individuals get to the bottom of disordered breathing patterns (such as mouth breathing), and restoring habitual nasal breathing.

#mouthbreathing #omt #orofacialmyology #nasalbreathing #nitricoxide #orofacialmyofunctionaltherapy #erectiledysfunction #preeclampsia #heartdisease #ibs #darkchocolate #redwine

Six Harmful Consequences of Mouth Breathing- And What To Do About It

Thu, 02 May 2019 01:33:00 GMT

May is Mouth Breathing Awareness Month. Chronic mouth breathing is not normal or healthy. Here we consider 6 consequences of mouth breathing and what you should do about it.

" Mouth breather." On the hit Netflix show, Stranger Things, the characters Mike and Eleven used this insult to refer to bullies, antagonistic adults, and the nefarious Demogorgon. There are no positive connotations of the phrase. Mouth breathers are often seen as unattractive, "zoned out", or of lower intelligence. In reality, mouth breathing is not a character deficiency. In fact, there are usually physical factors causing a person to use their mouth to breathe instead of their nose, and the resulting problems can be even worse than children's cruel words. Mouth breathing, day or night, hurts your body in many ways; just a few of them are illustrated in the infographic below.

I often share this brief YouTube video with my patients to help them visualize how mouth breathing affects how our jaws grow and the subsequent problems that can result from these changes. Most are surprised to see how something seemingly benign can do so much damage.

If Mouth Breathing is Affecting You

What should you do if you or someone you know is affected by mouth breathing? It is a medical problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. With the exception of the occasional cold or bout of allergies, we should be able to breathe comfortably through our nose day and night. (To learn more about nasal breathing benefits check this post out.) To resolve the issue, you have to figure out why it is happening. Often, there is some physical obstruction, inflammation, or orofacial structural issue impeding nasal breathing. Sometimes it is merely a subconscious habit. Habitual nasal breathing is one of the main goals of orofacial myofunctional therapy and these therapists work as a part of an interdisciplinary team that may include an ENT, allergist, or other healthcare providers to get you breathing correctly. Changing the way you breathe can change your life! For more information, please feel free to reach out to me on the contact page here .

#mouthbreathing #evv #evansvilleindiana #evansville #omt #orofacialmyofunctionaltherapy #orofacialmyology #children #kids #parents #parenting #healthykids #osa #sdb #crookedteeth #gingivitis

#gumdisease #badbreath #halitosis #speechproblems #cavities #toothdecay #caries #allergies #tonsils #ent