If you’re worried about your child’s mouth breathing, thumb-sucking habit, or speech challenges, you may have come across something called Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).
OMT is a specialized therapy often provided by Speech-Language Pathologists (Speech Therapists). It helps children who have difficulty with how their mouth and facial muscles function—especially when it affects breathing, eating, or speaking.
Here’s what parents need to know in simple terms.
What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?
To speak, breathe, and swallow properly, the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat must be in the right position and work together.
When they don’t, children may develop Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs).
According to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, OMDs are:
“patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures, or call attention to themselves.”
Common Examples of OMDs
- Tongue thrust (tongue pushes between teeth when swallowing)
- Mouth breathing (lips stay open at rest)
- Bite problems (overbite, underbite, or open bite)
- Tongue tie or lip tie
What Causes These Issues?
OMDs usually develop from a mix of physical structure and habits over time.
Common causes include:
- Genetics
- Orthodontic problems
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Long-term pacifier or sippy cup use
- Structural differences in the mouth or face
- Neurological conditions
- Blocked nasal passages (like enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or allergies)
When the airway is blocked, children may shift to mouth breathing, which can change tongue position and muscle patterns over time.
Signs Your Child May Need Help
Some signs are obvious, while others are easy to miss. Watch for:
- Speech difficulties (like a lisp with “S” or “Z” sounds)
- Drooling or constantly open mouth
- Snoring or sleep issues (including possible sleep apnea)
- Trouble swallowing with lips closed
If you notice these patterns, it may be worth getting an evaluation.
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) Helps
Before starting therapy, a pediatrician may recommend seeing an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) to rule out structural issues. In some cases, enlarged tonsils or adenoids may need treatment first.
Once cleared, a Speech Therapist can use OMT to retrain how the muscles work.
1. Oral Muscle Exercises
OMT includes exercises to strengthen and coordinate the tongue, lips, and throat.
For example, a child may practice holding their tongue in the correct resting position—just behind the upper teeth—to prevent it from pushing forward.
2. Teaching a “Lips-Together” Resting Posture
Children learn how to keep their lips closed at rest.
One simple exercise may involve holding a tongue depressor between the lips to build strength and coordination.
3. Breaking Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Habits
If habits like thumb sucking caused the issue, they must be addressed.
“Non Nutritive sucking” habits like these put your child at risk for malocclusions – abnormal positioning of the teeth and jaw. For example, an open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not line up properly and instead, there is a gap between them in the front.
Speech Therapists can guide parents with strategies like positive reinforcement to help children stop.
4. Improving Speech Clarity
Children with OMDs often struggle with sounds like “S,” “Z,” and “SH.”
OMT helps train the tongue to rest in the correct position (behind the teeth, mouth closed), which—combined with speech therapy—can improve clarity.
5. Supporting Better Swallowing
Therapists may adjust food textures or use tools like straws to help improve swallowing patterns and strengthen muscles.
Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Orofacial Myofunctional therapy has proven to be effective in treating the underlying cause of speech articulation errors. Speech Language Pathologists with orofacial myofunctional training work to remediate the atypical patterns that contribute to disordered articulation.
How OMT Helps Breathing and the Airway
Proper breathing, speech, and swallowing all depend on correct muscle positioning.
Through therapy, Speech Therapists work to improve these patterns—helping children breathe more efficiently, speak more clearly, and swallow properly.
Why Address Habits First?
Before starting therapy, it’s important to eliminate habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.
“Non Nutritive sucking” habits like these put your child at risk for malocclusions – abnormal positioning of the teeth and jaw. For example, an open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not line up properly and instead, there is a gap between them in the front.
If the habit continues, it can undo the progress made during therapy.
The Bottom Line
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a targeted, non-invasive approach that helps retrain how the mouth and facial muscles function.
For children struggling with breathing, speech, or swallowing, it can make a meaningful difference—not just in communication, but in overall development and health.
If you’re concerned about your child’s habits or symptoms, speaking with a pediatrician or Speech Therapist is a great first step.***
