As a parent, it’s normal to wonder if the little things you’re seeing in your child are signs of something bigger. Mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or speech problems might seem small at first, but they can point to a myofunctional disorder—and early support can make all the difference.
At Eastern Therapy PT, OT and Speech, we specialize in helping children overcome these challenges through personalized, compassionate care.
What Is a Myofunctional Disorder?
A myofunctional disorder involves improper function of the facial muscles, tongue, lips, and soft tissue. These are often called orofacial myofunctional disorders. They show up in everyday habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or an open mouth posture, and if left untreated, can affect your child’s speech, breathing, sleep, and eating.
Common Signs to Watch For
Parents are usually the first to notice subtle changes. Keep an eye out for:
- Mouth breathing during the day or night
- Thumb sucking or finger sucking past age 3
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Speech problems like lisping or unclear speech
- Drooling or messy eating
- Signs of blocked nasal passages without a cold
- Open bite or trouble with orthodontic treatment
- Snoring, restless sleep, or signs of sleep-disordered breathing
Many children with oral myofunctional disorders also show signs of trouble breathing through the nose, which may lead to conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Why Early Intervention Matters
During the early years, the jaw, tongue, and soft palate are still developing. Addressing an oral myofunctional disorder early can prevent developmental delays, misaligned teeth, and lifelong breathing challenges. Catching it now could mean avoiding bigger issues later.
At Eastern Therapy, we believe every child deserves the best start possible. That’s why our team looks beyond symptoms to uncover the “why” behind them.
How Eastern Therapy Can Help
Our team includes speech language pathologists and occupational therapists. We utilize a neuromuscular-based approach that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face and mouth to promote proper oral function. Within the scope of occupational therapy and speech-language therapy, we use techniques to improve coordination, strength, and patterns of muscle use that support essential functions such as breathing, swallowing, speech, and feeding.
We create a treatment plan that’s playful, age-appropriate, and designed to grow with your child. From helping transition after a tongue tie release to managing a hereditary predisposition for soft tissue dysfunctions, we’re here every step of the way.
What a Session Looks Like
Our therapy sessions are fun and motivating. Kids learn to rest their tongue on the hard palate, strengthen their lips and muscles, and shift from mouth to healthier nasal breathing—all through games and exercises led by their therapist.
You’ll see potential benefits in eating, sleeping, speech, and overall facial development.
Take the First Step with Us
If you’re noticing signs like mouth breathing, speech problems, or thumb sucking that just won’t go away, trust your instincts. At Eastern Therapy PT, OT, and Speech, we’re ready to listen, support, and create a plan that fits your child’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule a caring, thorough evaluation. Together, we’ll help your child breathe easier, smile bigger, and thrive.
