A Holistic Approach to Oral and Overall Health
There is growing awareness of the strong link between oral health and overall well-being. Symptoms originating in the mouth, jaws, or tongue can have far-reaching effects on the entire body. At Optimal Dental Health, we take a holistic approach, not only caring for your teeth and gums but also addressing the root causes of functional issues. This is where Myofunctional Therapy plays a crucial role.
What is Myofunctional Therapy? Myofunctional Therapy is a specialised physical therapy designed to retrain the muscles of the tongue, mouth, face, and neck. Through a series of targeted exercises, this therapy helps improve essential functions such as breathing, chewing, swallowing, and sleep.
While these actions may seem simple, incorrect muscle function can lead to long-term issues. For example, improper swallowing mechanics—something we do 500-1000 times per day—can contribute to dental, cosmetic, and digestive concerns. By retraining these muscles, Myofunctional Therapy aims to correct these dysfunctions and promote optimal oral posture.
The Importance of Correct Oral Posture One of the key goals of Myofunctional Therapy is achieving proper resting oral posture, where the tongue, lips, and teeth are naturally positioned correctly. When this does not happen, signs such as an open mouth at rest, a pebbled or dimpled chin, or a tongue sitting too low in the mouth can indicate dysfunction. Correcting these issues helps improve both oral health and facial aesthetics.
Breathing and Myofunctional Therapy Another primary focus of Myofunctional Therapy is transitioning from mouth breathing to nasal breathing. Chronic mouth breathing is associated with a range of symptoms, including:
- Dry lips
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Bad breath
- Overcrowded or misaligned teeth
Breathing through the nose has several benefits, including better oxygen absorption, reduced risk of dental misalignment, and improved digestion. Myofunctional Therapy encourages nasal breathing by retraining the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing.
Myofunctional Therapy and Sleep One of the most significant benefits of Myofunctional Therapy is its impact on sleep quality. Many individuals who breathe through their mouths during sleep may suffer from sleep-disordered breathing conditions such as snoring or sleep apnoea. Poor sleep can lead to daytime drowsiness, concentration difficulties, and brain fog. Over time, untreated sleep-disordered breathing may increase the risk of more severe health issues.
By strengthening and retraining the tongue and airway muscles, Myofunctional Therapy can reduce airway collapse during sleep, leading to improved sleep quality and overall well-being.
The Myofunctional Therapy Assessment A referral to a Myofunctional Therapist provides an opportunity to assess how you or your child functions in the head and neck area. During the assessment, the therapist evaluates breathing patterns, oral posture, swallowing mechanics, and lifestyle factors such as diet and sleep quality. This comprehensive approach allows for a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Symptoms That Indicate a Need for Myofunctional Therapy If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms, Myofunctional Therapy may help:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep apnoea
- Open mouth at rest
- Forward tongue thrust when swallowing
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Misaligned or open bite
- Overcrowded teeth
- Tongue or lip tie
Start Your Journey to Better Health At Optimal Dental Health, we believe in treating the root cause of oral dysfunctions to enhance overall well-being. Myofunctional Therapy can lead to improvements in breathing, sleep, posture, and even jaw development in children.
Get in touch to book your assessment and learn more about how Myofunctional Therapy can benefit you. Call us today at 0203921 1000.
