Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises that strengthen the muscles of the tongue, throat, and face. These exercises are designed to improve the tone and coordination of the orofacial and upper respiratory muscles, which can help keep the airway open during sleep. By addressing the root cause of airway collapse, myofunctional therapy can be an effective treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

How it works:

​The primary goal of myofunctional therapy is to improve muscle function in four key areas:

• ​Tongue Posture: Correcting the resting position of the tongue so that it rests against the roof of the mouth, preventing it from falling back and obstructing the airway.
• ​Mouth Breathing: Encouraging nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing to maintain airway stability.
• Swallowing Patterns: Teaching correct swallowing techniques to ensure the tongue and other muscles are functioning properly.
• Oral Muscle Strength: Strengthening the muscles of the tongue, lips, and throat to prevent them from relaxing too much during sleep.

The exercises are similar to physical therapy for the face and can include tongue presses, lip seals, and other targeted movements. Consistency is key, with many programs recommending 10 minutes of exercises twice a day. Over time, these small, repeated movements lead to long-term changes in breathing and sleeping patterns. 

Conditions that can result due to Mouth breath, snoring and Sleep apnea:

• Reduced Saliva Production: Saliva is the mouth's natural defense against bacteria. Without it, the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease increases.
• Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis): A dry mouth environment allows bacteria to flourish, leading to unpleasant odors.
• Chapped Lips: The constant air exposure can cause dry, cracked lips.
• Increased Risk of Illness: Bypassing the nose's natural filtration system means a child is more susceptible to inhaling unfiltered allergens, germs, and dust. This can lead to:

1. ​Frequent colds and respiratory infections.
2. ​Ear infections.
3. ​Worsened allergy symptoms.

Tailored to your specific needs, each treatment harnesses advanced myofunctional techniques aiming to improve nighttime breathing efficiency. Experience reduced sleep disruptions and enjoy the myriad health benefits of restorative sleep, like increased energy and improved cognitive function. Your path to quiet, restorative nights begins here. Get in touch with me to schedule your personalized assessment and end the cycle of restless nights.