When it comes to oral health, parents understandably focus on their children’s teeth and gums. But what if we told you that tongue position, breathing habits, and oral posture could play a similarly significant role in their well-being?
Research shows that how a child breathes and uses their oral muscles plays a major role in airway development and long-term health. Pediatric myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive, exercise-based treatment that helps children establish healthy oral habits and supports better breathing, sleep, and growth.
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we see myofunctional therapy as an investment in a child’s overall health, not just their teeth. When children learn proper tongue placement, nasal breathing, and balanced muscle function, they’re set up for healthier airways and improved quality of life.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the face, mouth, and tongue. It uses a series of personalized exercises designed to retrain the oral and facial muscles. The focus is on correcting poor oral habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or low tongue posture.
For children, these habits are especially critical because their jaws and airways are still developing. By guiding muscles to work properly, pediatric myofunctional therapy supports normal growth and helps prevent long-term complications such as crowded teeth, speech challenges, and sleep-disordered breathing. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry highlights the importance of early intervention in shaping healthy oral development.
The Critical Role of Oral Posture in Airway Development
One of the most overlooked aspects of a child’s airway health is how their mouth and tongue rest throughout the day and night. Oral posture may seem minor, but it plays a defining role in shaping the airway as a child grows.
The Tongue’s Superpower
The tongue is one of the most important “natural expanders” in the body. When it rests on the roof of the mouth, it helps shape the upper jaw and nasal passages, creating space for proper breathing. But when it rests low, the jaw can narrow, reducing airway size.
The Dangers of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but over time, it can reshape facial structure, dry out oral tissues, and lead to health issues. Kids who mouth-breathe are more likely to develop crowded teeth, poor sleep, and even behavioral concerns linked to low oxygen intake. According to Stanford Children’s Health, mouth breathing can also contribute to daytime fatigue and poor focus.
The Link to Sleep-Disordered Breathing
The key to success is consistency. Children who practice exercises daily see measurable improvements within weeks, with long-term benefits for airway health and development. For example, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that strengthening orofacial muscles through therapy can play an important role in reducing pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.
Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing conditions often begin with airway underdevelopment. Children with these conditions may snore loudly, toss and turn at night, or struggle with focus during the day. Myofunctional therapy addresses one of the root causes by improving muscle tone and training proper nasal breathing. The National Institutes of Health, meanwhile, has published studies supporting the role of myofunctional therapy in improving airway function and reducing sleep-disordered breathing.
Myofunctional Therapy’s Key Benefits for Children’s Airway
The benefits of pediatric myofunctional therapy go far beyond straighter teeth. Some of the most important include:
- Airway growth and function — Nasal breathing and correct tongue posture promote wider dental arches and healthier airway spaces.
- Better sleep quality — Improving airway function can reduce snoring and sleep disruptions, allowing children to rest more deeply and wake up
- refreshed.
- Support for orthodontic treatment — Braces or expanders can move teeth, but therapy ensures the long-term stability of the muscles supporting those changes.
- Improved focus and behavior — A child who breathes better and sleeps better is often more alert, focused, and attentive in school and less prone to irritability.
- Prevention of long-term health issues — Addressing airway concerns early can reduce risks of conditions like sleep apnea or TMJ problems in adulthood.
What Happens During Myofunctional Therapy at Sierk Children’s Dentistry?
If your child begins myofunctional therapy with us, the process will be customized to their needs. Here’s what you and your youngster can expect:
- A comprehensive evaluation — The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your child’s breathing habits, swallowing, tongue posture, and overall oral health.
- Personalized exercise program — If they require myofunctional therapy, your child will learn fun, age-appropriate exercises to strengthen their tongue and facial muscles.
- Regular check-ins — Your child’s progress is monitored at consistent intervals, and exercises may be adjusted as their needs change.
- Collaboration with specialists — In some cases, we may work alongside orthodontists, ear-nose-throat ENT doctors, or speech therapists to ensure comprehensive care.
Investing in Your Child’s Lifelong Health
A child’s airway health impacts far more than breathing. It affects their sleep, growth, learning, and overall quality of life. Pediatric myofunctional therapy is a gentle, effective way to support healthy oral function and ensure your child develops the foundation for a lifetime of wellness.
The Best Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy in Castle Pines, CO
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we believe every child deserves the chance to breathe, sleep, and grow at their best. If you’ve noticed signs of mouth breathing, snoring, or tongue posture issues in your child, now is the perfect time to explore pediatric myofunctional therapy. Contact Dr. Jon Sierk and our outstanding team today to schedule a consultation! We are conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines.