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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: A Profoundly Effective Treatment
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a profoundly useful treatment that may help address symptoms of various health issues — from opening airways to relieving headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and even aiding digestion.
It is considered one of the most effective non-invasive therapies for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea, a condition that affects a large portion of the population.
“Myofunctional therapy is the neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the oral and facial muscles.”
Myofunctional therapy involves:
- Facial and tongue exercises
- Behavior modification techniques
- Promoting proper tongue posture
- Improving breathing, chewing, and swallowing
- Correcting head and neck posture
Research supports its effectiveness in resolving jaw problems, preventing orthodontic relapse, and supporting multi-disciplinary treatments. It can even serve as an adjunct or alternative to facial plastic surgery, helping reduce facial lines and sagging muscles.
The Story of Joy Moeller
Joy Moeller, one of the leading experts in OMT in the United States, discovered the therapy 35 years ago while trying to solve her son’s severe health issues.
“Within three weeks of starting the exercises, his headaches stopped completely.” — Joy Moeller
She has since practiced and taught OMT for over three decades, authored numerous publications, and trained hundreds of clinicians through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT).
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
OMT doesn’t just focus on the mouth — it integrates the entire head and neck system. It trains patients to:
- Breathe through the nose
- Keep the tongue resting on the palate
- Develop symmetrical chewing patterns
- Maintain proper head and neck posture
“If you’re not chewing your food enough, your body is working overtime to digest it.” — Joy Moeller
Proper chewing supports digestion by:
- Breaking food into smaller pieces
- Activating digestive enzymes like amylase
- Signaling the stomach for enzyme release
The tongue’s role in growth and hormonal balance: According to Dr. Karl Nishimura (DDS, California), “If the tongue does not reach the roof of the mouth during swallowing, the sphenoid bone doesn’t rotate properly, and growth hormones are not released from the pituitary gland.”
- Nasal cavity expansion
- Hormone regulation
- Balanced facial growth
Common Disorders That Benefit from OMT
Many people unknowingly suffer from oral-facial dysfunctions caused by poor tongue posture or mouth breathing.
Common contributing factors include:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue-tie
- Thumb or finger sucking habits
- Use of baby bottles or sippy cups
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Processed and soft foods
“Once your tongue doesn’t function properly, it affects your breathing, posture, and even learning ability.”
Why You Should Consider a Myofunctional Therapist
An initial evaluation with a trained therapist will explore:
- Breathing patterns (mouth vs. nose)
- Sleep conditions and environment
- Dietary influences (e.g., dairy intake)
- Structural or postural issues
“You really need somebody to support you over time in order for it to hold. Otherwise, it’ll relapse.” — Joy Moeller
Each treatment plan is individualized and may include:
- Lip seal and nasal breathing training
- Tongue placement and swallowing re-patterning
- Posture correction
- Breathing techniques such as the Buteyko method
Who Uses Myofunctional Therapy?
OMT has gained recognition across multiple health professions, including:
- Speech pathologists – to correct lisps and articulation issues
- Physical therapists – for TMJ and posture-related dysfunctions
- Dental hygienists – to address mouth breathing and gum disease
“Your face and tongue muscles are so important—they influence your ability to speak, chew, swallow, and breathe correctly.” — Joy Moeller
Signs You May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy
- Orthodontic relapse
- TMJ pain or headaches
- Speech problems
- Sleep apnea or snoring
- Mouth breathing or allergies
- Thumb sucking or nail biting
- Neck or facial pain
- Bloating or trouble swallowing
Simple Techniques You Can Try Now
- Sleep on your back to open the airway
- Elevate your headboard if you have sleep apnea or GERD
- Chew unprocessed foods to strengthen muscles
- Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth when resting
- Avoid touching your face or leaning to prevent muscle strain
Finding a Qualified Myofunctional Therapist
You can find certified professionals through:
Recommended professional backgrounds:
- Speech pathologist
- Dentist, orthodontist, or hygienist
- Sleep medicine specialist
- Physical or occupational therapist
- Pulmonologist
“It’s never too late. No matter what your age, you can retrain your oral-facial and neck muscles to help you achieve better sleep, breathing, and digestion.”
