What orofacial myofunctional therapy is
ASHA explains that the primary purpose of orofacial myofunctional therapy is to create an oral environment in which typical orofacial and dental growth and development can take place and be maintained. It is provided by appropriately trained speech-language pathologists as part of a team.
In practice, OMT helps a person become aware of how they move their mouth and face, and practise new habits for the tongue, lips and jaw. ASHA notes that it is usually provided in private practice, clinics or hospitals.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders
ASHA describes orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) as movement patterns of the mouth and face muscles that result in incorrect tongue position at rest and during swallowing, breathing and speech. They can occur at any age and are often caused by a combination of learned behaviours, structural differences and genetic and environmental factors.
Signs may include an open-mouth, lips-apart resting posture, a tongue resting forward or between the teeth, tongue thrust when swallowing, distorted “s” and “z” sounds, drooling beyond about age 4, bite problems and, in some cases, sleep-disordered breathing or teeth grinding. A common type in children is tongue fronting or thrusting. A restricted tongue (see our guide to tongue-tie) is one of the structural factors ASHA mentions.
Resting posture, breathing and swallowing
ASHA describes the typical resting posture: lips closed, breathing through the nose, teeth slightly apart and the tongue tip resting against the front of the hard palate, at the lower front teeth or the gums behind them. A forward tongue can interfere with tooth eruption and contribute to an open bite.
Breathing is closely linked. People who cannot breathe easily through the nose often breathe through the mouth, which changes the resting position of the tongue, jaw and lips. ASHA explains that a closed-mouth posture cannot be consistently established until any airway problem has been resolved. See our guide to mouth breathing.
Who may benefit
According to ASHA, OMT may address open-mouth posture and mouth breathing once the airway is clear, lip closure, tongue position against the palate, speech sound errors linked to tongue or lip posture, prolonged sucking habits and difficulties handling saliva, liquids and food. A speech-language pathologist may also be part of a team caring for people having a tongue-tie procedure.
ASHA notes that OMT may not be appropriate for children under about 4 years of age or for people who cannot yet self-monitor or follow directions, because the exercises require awareness and practice.
The assessment
ASHA explains that assessment starts with a detailed history: birth and development, sucking habits, breathing and snoring, allergies and ear infections, previous surgery such as tonsil removal or frenectomy, dental and orthodontic treatment, feeding, speech and hearing.
The speech-language pathologist then examines the face and mouth: the lips, jaw, tongue and palate, tonsil size, teeth and bite, resting posture, how the person swallows saliva, liquids and food, and speech. ASHA stresses that speech-language pathologists do not diagnose medical or dental conditions and refer to doctors or dentists when they find signs of a problem.
What therapy involves
ASHA’s public page explains that a speech-language pathologist can help the person become aware of how they move their mouth and face, know where the tongue and mouth muscles should be when speaking, drinking and eating, say sounds more clearly, improve chewing and swallowing and practise nasal breathing.
The Practice Portal describes exercises for awareness of the tongue, lips and jaw, lip closure and tongue placement against the palate, chosen and supervised by the therapist. For sucking habits, it recommends positive strategies such as praise and rewards, and notes that punitive habit appliances have limited success and have been linked to pain and other problems.
Teamwork with dentists, orthodontists and ENT
ASHA describes OMT as interprofessional. Depending on the case, the team may include an allergist, dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, ENT specialist, physician, sleep specialist, lactation consultant or occupational therapist. The first step is to address medical issues such as breathing problems or enlarged tonsils.
Restoring nasal breathing may involve tonsil and adenoid surgery by an ENT specialist, expansion of the upper jaw by an orthodontist, nasal care recommended by an ENT, and OMT. Decisions on tongue-tie procedures are medical decisions made case by case; ASHA notes that not everyone with a tongue-tie needs one.
What the evidence supports and what it does not
ASHA is cautious about the evidence. It notes that prevalence estimates vary widely and that correlations between OMD signs, bite problems and speech errors do not show causation. For speech, it advises caution before using OMT on its own and suggests combining it with articulation therapy.
For sleep, ASHA states that obstructive sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis treated by qualified medical professionals, and that more studies are needed on adherence and the long-term effects of OMT on sleep apnea outcomes. OMT does not replace medical treatment for sleep apnea; see our guide on whether sleep apnea can be cured.
Where the sources differ
ASHA’s public information page (reviewed May 2026) presents OMT in simple terms, focusing on children and on practical skills for talking and eating. ASHA’s Practice Portal for professionals covers all ages, describes the role of the team in detail and highlights the gaps in evidence, especially for sleep-disordered breathing and for OMT as a standalone speech treatment. Neither source gives a fixed duration of therapy: it depends on the person, the goals and the team’s plan.
Our speech therapy service in Bilbao offers myofunctional therapy for children and adults after assessment, in coordination with doctors, dentists and orthodontists; it does not promise results for sleep apnea, snoring or orthodontics (consultations are in Spanish).
In summary
Orofacial myofunctional therapy helps retrain the position and movement of the tongue, lips and jaw for resting posture, nasal breathing, swallowing and speech. It is provided by a trained speech-language pathologist after medical and dental problems have been addressed, and works best as part of a team.
A table linking problem, evidence and goal helps keep expectations realistic. Tongue thrust or forward tongue: goal, tongue at the palate at rest and during swallowing. Open-mouth posture: goal, lips closed at rest once the nose is clear. Speech errors linked to posture: goal, clearer sounds, combined with articulation therapy. Sleep apnea: OMT may be used within a medical team, but evidence is still limited.
Frequently asked questions about orofacial myofunctional therapy
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
A therapy that retrains the tongue, lips and jaw at rest and during breathing, swallowing and speech, to support normal oral function and growth.
What problems can it help with?
Tongue thrust, open-mouth posture once the airway is clear, lip closure, speech errors linked to tongue position, sucking habits and chewing or swallowing difficulties.
Who provides myofunctional therapy?
Appropriately trained speech-language pathologists, working with doctors, dentists, orthodontists and other professionals.
What do the exercises involve?
Awareness of mouth and face movements, lip closure, tongue placement against the palate and practice of swallowing and speech, chosen and supervised by the therapist.
How long does therapy take?
There is no fixed duration. It depends on the problem, age, the person’s ability to practise and the team’s plan.
Does it help with sleep apnea or snoring?
It may be used within a medical team, but ASHA says more studies are needed. It does not replace medical treatment for sleep apnea.
Sources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) · Orofacial myofunctional disorders (Practice Portal)
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) · Orofacial myofunctional disorders (public information)
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.