What Is Myofunctional Therapy? A Dentist in Fairfield Explains

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Do you or your child have trouble breathing through the nose, speaking clearly, or chewing properly? A dentist in Fairfield may recommend myofunctional therapy. This type of therapy helps train the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue, which teaches your body how to work the right way for better health and comfort.

If you think you could benefit from myofunctional therapy, talk to Gary Horblitt, D.D.S. Our dentist in Fairfield, CT, can assess your oral function and refer you to specialists trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy to improve your comfort and performance. Give our team a call at (203) 335-1011 to get started today!

In today’s blog, our dentist in Fairfield, CT, explains what myofunctional therapy is, how it works, and who can benefit from it.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is physical therapy for your mouth and face. It uses simple exercises to help your muscles work better while breathing, speaking, eating, and sleeping.

Why Is Myofunctional Therapy Important?

Poor muscle habits can lead to health problems. These include:

  • Snoring or trouble sleeping
  • Mouth breathing
  • Speech issues
  • Crooked teeth
  • Jaw pain

A dentist in Fairfield may notice these signs during a regular visit. If so, they might suggest a special plan with myofunctional therapy.

Who Can Benefit?

People of all ages can benefit! However, children often need therapy if they suck their thumb, have speech issues, or always breathe through their mouths. Nonetheless, adults can benefit too – especially those with sleep apnea or jaw problems.

Your dentist in Fairfield can help you find out if myofunctional therapy is right for you.

What Happens During Therapy?

Therapy starts with an exam. Your dentist in Fairfield or a trained therapist looks at how your mouth and face muscles work. They check your tongue position, breathing habits, and more.

Then, you’ll get a plan made just for you! It includes easy exercises to do at home. These might include:

  • Holding your tongue in the right spot
  • Breathing through your nose
  • Chewing and swallowing the right way

You usually do these exercises every day. Over several weeks or months, most people see the results of their efforts.

How Does It Help?

When your muscles work the right way, many things get better, such as:

  • Breathing becomes easier
  • Sleep improves
  • Teeth stay in better positions
  • Speech gets clearer
  • Eating becomes more comfortable

A dentist in Fairfield often sees big changes in patients who follow the plan.

How to Get Started

Start by talking to your dentist in Fairfield. Dr. Horblitt checks your symptoms and decides if you need a myofunctional therapist. If so, he may send you to a trusted expert nearby.

You don’t need surgery or medicine for this kind of therapy. It’s simple, safe, and often fun for kids and adults!

Explore Myofunctional Therapy with a Dentist in Fairfield, CT

Myofunctional therapy can help you breathe, speak, eat, and sleep better. It uses small exercises to make a big difference in your daily life.

So, if you think you or your child could benefit, talk to our dentist in Fairfield today. Call Gary Horblitt, D.D.S., at (203) 335-1011, or click here to request a myofunctional therapy consultation.