Myofunctional Therapy: Training the Tongue ( along with Lips, Cheeks, and other Mouth Muscles) Work Like They're Supposed To

Myofunctional Therapy, also known as Orofacial Myology or Orofacial Therapy, is designed to correct  improper function of tongue and facial muscles that affect chewing, swallowning, speech, and breathing. 

Think of Myofunctional Therapy as physical therapy for the mouth.

The human body is an amazing system of soft tissue, bones and chemical reactions. To keep this marvel operating at its best, the body needs to maintain a certain harmonious pattern. However, as with any complicated system, when an important function of the body is thrown off, problems may develop.

Correct swallowing depends on a proper relationship between muscles of the face, mouth and throat. The act of swallowing is one function that depends on the body's vital balance. To swallow properly, muscles and nerves in the tongue, cheeks and throat must work together in harmony. When a person swallows normally, the tip of the tongue presses firmly against the roof of the mouth or hard palate, located slightly behind the front teeth. The tongue acts in concert with all the other muscles involved in swallowing. The hard palate, meanwhile, absorbs the force created by the tongue.

Because a person swallows 500-1000 times a day, it's easy to see how improper swallowing can cause a variety of problems. But it is actually the resting position of the tongue that does the most damage because it is more constant.