A dentist’s guide to myofunctional therapy for tmj, sleep apnea, and more

The muscles around your mouth and face play a vital role in daily functions such as breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speaking. When these muscles aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of issues affecting both dental health and overall well-being. We see a number of Saskatoon patients every day who deal with discomfort and health issues associated with muscular dysfunction in the face. In this blog, we’ll explain how myofunctional therapy (MFT) can complement your dental care and improve your oral and general health.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

The therapy typically involves a series of exercises tailored to a patient’s specific needs, focusing on proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, lip sealing, and efficient swallowing patterns. The goal of these exercises is to retrain these muscles to function correctly, which can help improve oral health, prevent malocclusions (misalignments of teeth), and address issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, and speech problems. It’s often used in combination with other dental treatments like braces or orthodontics to promote long-term oral health and function.

Why dental patients are the best candidates for myofunctional therapy

If you notice any of these symptoms, myofunctional therapy could be a valuable addition to your dental care regimen.

• Chronic pain or tension of the face or jaw
• TMJ disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring and mouth breathing
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Speech or swallowing difficulties
• Jaw alignment issues

Common conditions that benefit from Myofunctional Therapy (MFT):

1. TMJ Disorders

MFT can help alleviate jaw pain, reduce tension in the surrounding muscles, and restore proper jaw function. By retraining the muscles to relax and work more efficiently, this therapy is an effective adjunct to other treatments like Botox for TMJ or dental appliances.

2. Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing places strain on the jaw and facial muscles, leading to possible misalignments of teeth and improper development of the palate. MFT helps retrain the muscles for proper nasal breathing, which can improve both oral health and overall wellness. By correcting muscle function, it encourages better oxygen intake and supports a more efficient respiratory system.

3. Sleep Apnea

Myofunctional therapy targets the muscles of the throat, jaw, and tongue to improve muscle tone and prevent airway collapse during sleep. Strengthening these muscles can reduce the severity of snoring, support better airflow, and even serve as a complement to treatments like CPAP machines or oral appliances.

How myofunctional therapy supports dental treatments:

• Braces and Orthodontics. By helping maintain proper tongue posture and preventing issues like tongue thrust, which can interfere with orthodontic treatment, MFT can support the results of braces and invisible aligners.
• Botox and Dysport for TMJ. For patients who receive Botox or Dysport injections for TMJ disorders, myofunctional therapy can help improve muscle function, providing longer-lasting relief and enhancing the effects of these treatments.
• Mouth Appliances: Whether it’s an oral appliance for sleep apnea or a night guard for bruxism, myofunctional therapy can enhance the benefits of these devices by improving muscle tone and supporting correct jaw positioning.

Why you should try it

Myofunctional therapy is an effective approach to address issues like TMJ disorders, mouth breathing, and sleep apnea. By improving muscle function around the mouth, jaw, and throat, it can complement other dental treatments and enhance your overall health. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, talk to your dentist about how myofunctional therapy could support your oral care and overall well-being.