Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional disorders affect people of all ages and refer to abnormalities of the lips, tongue, jaw, and the incorrect positioning of anatomy in and around the mouth. These disorders may be caused by thumb sucking or obstruction of the airway. In many cases, these issues are there from birth, but they may also result from injury or prolonged sucking patterns, including the extended use of a pacifier or bottle.

Your Fayetteville dentist can help diagnose and treat myofunctional disorders to restore proper function.

Symptoms of myofunctional disorders include:

• Sleep issues like snoring and restlessness
• Mouth breathing and difficulty breathing while eating
• Daytime sleepiness and dark circles under the eyes
• Tongue thrusting, tongue-tied, and strong gag reflex
• Aversion to food textures
• Thumb sucking
• Dental issues like crooked teeth and bruxism

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we look for the root cause of your dysfunction and treat accordingly. Treatments may include exercises, therapies, and even custom oral appliances to restore proper function. In children, your dentist can design treatments to help ensure proper arch development as well. This helps teeth come in straight and can reverse the course of the disorder.  

For Myofunctional Disorder Therapy in Fayetteville, Contact Us

Your dentist aims to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and healthy smile, with oral anatomy that functions optimally. Reach out today to arrange your evaluation and inquire about myofunctional therapy near me.

A tongue thrust should be addressed as soon as the condition is identified; however, it is most effective between ages four and eight, when children’s oral habits are still developing and easier to modify.

Ages to Treat Tongue Thrust

The timing, effectiveness, and duration of tongue thrust therapy varies at each stage of a child's development:

• Preschool Years (Ages 4-5) — This is often the earliest we can accurately diagnose and treat tongue thrust. Children this age are typically mature enough to follow simple exercises and instructions.
• Early Elementary (Ages 6-8) — This is the optimal age for treatment. At this stage, kids have better awareness and control of their oral muscles, making them more adaptable to new patterns.
• Pre-Teen and Teen Years — Treatment is still effective; however, undoing ingrained habits may require more time and dedication.

Signs Your Child May Need Evaluation

Some common signs of tongue thrust include:

• Visible tongue protrusion during swallowing or speaking
• Chronic open-mouth breathing
• Difficulty making certain speech sounds
• Gaps between teeth that don't close
• Challenges eating or drinking neatly

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental in Fayetteville, AR, we recommend scheduling an evaluation promptly if you notice any signs of tongue thrust in your child. Our experienced team can assess their oral development and create an effective myofunctional therapy treatment plan.