The interaction between orofacial structural growth and muscle activity starts early in development, and the physiologic functions of suck, swallow, breath for infant feeding play an important role in stimulating subsequent growth. There are many orafacial growth milestones that infants through toddlers should reach for optimal growth and development. Meeting these milestones transitions into childhood and adulthood which can help someone live a healthy life.

 

The habits we develop young inevitably translate to behaviors we have for life. By training the muscles in the face and mouth to act in their natural way, muscle memory can keep the teeth and jaw in alignment as we grow and develop. This will help the face and head develop in the proper way which can lead to breathing and sleeping better, eating and swallowing properly, and sometimes this may even help minimize or eliminate future orthodontic treatments.  
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Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) affect the functions and muscles of the mouth and face. OMDs can cause a variety of effects either directly or indirectly, including  problems breastfeeding, delayed facial skeletal growth and development, disordered chewing, swallowing, speech issues, crowded teeth, instability of orthodontic treatment, sleeping problems, and more. The tongue resting position is crucial in how the jaw grows and how we breathe. When we cannot breathe through our nose properly it can lead to issues of sleep disturbed breathing and sleep apnea. 

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Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises done over several months that retrain dysfunctional behaviors and  will help enable one to enjoy eating, speaking, breathing, and even sleeping more soundly. These changes can make a world of difference for a child and hopefully go into adulthood as a happier healthier person.