Oral myofunctional therapy is a gentle, exercise-based approach to improving how the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue work together. It addresses tongue posture, oral muscle strength, and the foundational patterns behind breathing, swallowing, and speech. These patterns develop early and quietly, and when they are off, the effects can show up in ways that are easy to miss until someone knows what to look for.
Children of many ages can benefit from oral myofunctional therapy, from infants through school age. It is commonly recommended for children who experience any of the following: tongue tie or lip tie, before or after frenectomy, mouth breathing, speech or swallowing concerns, low tongue tone, prolonged thumb or finger sucking, or orthodontic concerns related to jaw and airway development.
If something feels off but you are not sure what to call it, that is worth a conversation. Our team can help you figure out whether OMT is the right next step.
Not at all. While oral myofunctional therapy is an important part of care before and after frenectomy procedures, many children benefit from therapy without any surgical intervention. Improved tongue strength, range of motion, oral posture, and breathing patterns are all achievable through therapy alone.
Healthy oral function and healthy breathing are closely connected. Oral myofunctional therapy encourages nasal breathing and proper tongue posture, both of which influence airway development, facial growth, sleep quality, and overall wellness. Establishing these habits during childhood growth years makes a lasting difference.
Yes, and this is one of the most underappreciated benefits. Oral myofunctional therapy helps stabilize the tongue and oral muscles, supports proper palatal development, and reduces the risk of orthodontic relapse after braces or aligners. It works alongside orthodontic care rather than separately from it, which is one of the reasons having both under one roof at Lion’s Tooth is so valuable for our patients.
Sessions are gentle, unhurried, and built around each child’s age and comfort level. Children learn simple exercises designed to improve muscle strength, coordination, and awareness. Hannah moves at each child’s pace, and families are always included so the work can continue at home between visits.
Oral myofunctional therapy at Lion’s Tooth is provided by Hannah Lacy, a registered dental hygienist and certified oral myofunctional therapist. Hannah works closely with our doctors and with each family to build a personalized care plan that fits the whole child, not just the presenting concern.
If you have questions about your child’s breathing, feeding, speech, oral habits, or orthodontic development, we are happy to take a look. You do not need a referral and you do not need to have all the answers before you reach out. That is what we are here for.
