Sleep Better and Protect Your Teeth with Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Do you ever wake up exhausted or with a sore jaw? Do you or someone you know clench or grind their teeth at night? If so, you're not alone. This condition, called bruxism, is common and can lead to serious problems like damaged teeth and jaw pain. It can also cause muscle dysfunction in the face and jaw. In many cases, especially in children, bruxism is a sign of sleep-disordered breathing, so it's vital to seek help and address the issue as soon as possible.

Fortunately, orofacial myofunctional therapy can help. This specialized form of therapy focuses on getting to the root cause, improving muscle function, and creating stability of the mouth and face through exercises and awareness techniques that correct oral habits like clenching, mouth breathing, or other harmful habits, and strengthens and tones the muscles of the face and mouth. Orofacial myofunctional therapy can benefit people of all ages.

Sessions are usually conducted by trained registered dental hygienists or speech-language pathologists specialing in treating orofacial myofunctional disorders(OMDs). Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. This may include exercises and techniques that you can do at home, as well as feedback and guidance from the therapist. Orofacial myofunctional therapy can be done in person or via teletherapy, depending on your needs and preferences.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for improving oral and facial muscle function. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from this therapy, don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a session with Madison, our in-house orofacial myologist. Learn more about Madison on our about page. If you’re looking for a myofunctional therapist in your area, check out the IAOM or Airway Circle for a list of providers near you.