Myofunctional Speech Therapy
Our Myofunctional Speech Therapy program is designed to improve the coordination and strength of the oral and facial muscles that support clear speech, proper breathing, swallowing, and overall oral function. Through personalized exercises and evidence-based techniques, we help children and adults correct habits such as tongue thrust, mouth breathing, or improper swallowing patterns that may interfere with communication, dental health, or facial development.
By addressing the root causes of these issues, our therapy promotes clearer speech, better oral posture, improved breathing, and enhanced overall wellness. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, creating a supportive and engaging environment that empowers lasting progress and confidence.
Signs of a myofunctional disorder
Tongue thrust
The tongue pushes forward or against the teeth during swallowing or at rest, which may impact speech clarity, dental alignment, and proper oral development.
Tongue tie (Restricted Lingual Frenulum)
Limited tongue mobility caused by a tight or restrictive frenulum, which may impact feeding, speech production, oral rest posture, and swallowing patterns.
Teeth clenching and grinding (Bruxism)
Excessive jaw tension, clenching, or grinding—especially during sleep—which may be linked to airway concerns, and/or oral-motor imbalance.
Snoring
Noisy breathing during sleep may indicate airway obstruction or inefficient breathing patterns related to oral posture and muscle function.
Prolonged Oral Habits (Thumb Sucking, Pacifier Use, Etc.)
Continued oral habits beyond early childhood may interfere with proper tongue posture, swallowing patterns, dental alignment, and overall oral-facial development.
Open mouth posture/mouth breathing
The lips remain open at rest and breathing occurs primarily through the mouth instead of the nose, which can affect facial growth, sleep quality, and overall airway health.
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Challenges with breaking down food, moving it efficiently in the mouth, or swallowing safely, often related to poor oral-motor coordination or muscle weakness.
Difficulty Sleeping
Restless sleep, frequent waking, or poor sleep quality, sometimes associated with mouth breathing, airway restriction, or improper oral posture.
Jaw pain or discomfort
Pain, tension, clicking, or fatigue in the jaw muscles or joints, often related to improper muscle use, clenching, or imbalance in oral structures.
What Myofunctional Therapy Supports
Each child presents with a unique feeding profile. Our comprehensive feeding evaluations are designed to identify strengths, areas of need, and factors impacting your child’s relationship with food.
Therapy focuses on supporting functional skill development and comfort with eating using evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, child-led approaches, along with caregiver education for carryover.
- Healthy oral rest posture (tongue resting on the palate, lips closed).
- Efficient chewing and swallowing patterns.
- Support for nasal breathing and airway development.
- Foundations for clear speech and articulation.
- Improved oral-motor coordination for feedings.
- Better sleep quality through improved breathing patterns.
- Long-term oral and facial growth and function.
Patient’s Feedback
What patient says about us
“We saw such a difference in our daughter’s confidence after starting speech therapy at Root Speech & Myo. Not only did her communication improve, but she also became more comfortable expressing herself at school and at home. As parents, we felt supported every step of the way, and that made the entire journey so much easier.”
“Mealtimes used to feel overwhelming for our family. After starting feeding therapy, our son became much more open to trying new foods and eating with less stress. The progress has been amazing, and we finally feel like we have the right tools to support him at home.”
“Root Speech & Myo helped us understand the root cause of our daughter’s oral habits in a way no one else had before. Through myofunctional therapy, we noticed improvements in her oral posture, breathing, and overall function. We also appreciated the thoughtful guidance and referrals when additional airway and orthodontic support was needed.”
“What stood out most to us was how involved we were as parents throughout the entire process. Every session included practical strategies we could use at home, and we always understood the purpose behind each goal. It truly felt like we had a partner in our child’s progress.”
“From the very first evaluation, everything felt personalized, organized, and reassuring. We appreciated having a clear plan for our child’s speech and oral development, and the progress has exceeded our expectations. The care is knowledgeable, compassionate, and focused on lasting results.”