How To Correct Mouth Breathing With Myofunctional Therapy?

  • How To Correct Mouth Breathing With Myofunctional Therapy? | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | Myofunctional therapy | verified expert in Myofunctional therapy
How To Correct Mouth Breathing With Myofunctional Therapy? | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | Myofunctional therapy |
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You might think breathing through your mouth isn’t a big deal, but it actually is. A lot of us end up breathing through our mouth without even realizing it, which can significantly impact our overall health including but not limited to our airway health, quality of sleep, posture, heart health, dental health and even our facial structure. Myofunctional therapy aims to fix bad habits like breathing through the mouth, the low tongue posture and incorrect swallowing.

In this blog, we will learn more about mouth breathing, myofunctional therapy, the steps required to correct mouth breathing, and the benefits of combining myofunctional therapy with airway orthodontic treatments.

A] Understanding Mouth Breathing

1. The Mechanics of Breathing

Nasal breathing is the most natural way of breathing, as it filters, humidifies, and warms air before it reaches the lungs, promoting better lung health and immune system support through the production of nitric oxide. In contrast, mouth breathing can lead to airway problems, sleep disruptions, and orthodontic issues, as it bypasses the nose’s filtration system and allows harmful particles to enter the lungs directly, impacting overall well-being.

So, it’s time to re-evaluate breathing and figure out if you are breathing the right way. If you have been mouth breathing and wonder how it became the normal way of breathing, let’s take a look at the causes.

2. Causes of Mouth Breathing

  • Allergies and nasal congestion: Seasonal or environmental allergies, along with nasal congestion, can obstruct the nasal passages, leading individuals to rely on mouth breathing for adequate airflow.
  • Chronic sinusitis and deviated septum: Constant inflammation of the sinuses and a deviated nasal septum can restrict nasal breathing, prompting individuals to breathe through their mouths.
  • Enlarged adenoids or tonsils: In children, enlarged adenoids or tonsils can physically obstruct nasal airflow, making mouth breathing a necessity.
  • Habitual mouth breathing: Prolonged habits of breathing through the mouth, often developed in childhood, can become ingrained and continue into adulthood.
  • Tongue tie: Tongue tie can limit tongue movement, preventing the entire tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth and make it more challenging to breathe from the nose.
  • Narrow upper jaw: A narrow upper jaw can result in insufficient space for the tongue which causes the tongue to rest on the floor of the mouth. It also reduces the nasal space thereby causing deviated nasal septum, leading to mouth breathing.
  • Backwardly placed lower jaw: A lower jaw that is set too far back can restrict the airway and cause mouth breathing.
  • Low muscle tone: Weak oral muscles can contribute to poor tongue posture and mouth breathing, particularly during sleep or periods of relaxation.

B] Myofunctional Therapy

1. What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment that corrects improper oral habits, focusing on the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to promote proper breathing, swallowing, and speech. It addresses issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and incorrect swallowing patterns to ensure optimal oral function. These oral muscles are essential for proper breathing and facial development, impacting airway openness and facial aesthetics.

2. Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

  • Improvement in nasal breathing:
Myofunctional therapy helps individuals transition from mouth breathing to proper nasal breathing. By addressing underlying issues like allergies, sinusitis, or structural abnormalities, the therapy improves airflow through the nose, enhancing respiratory health and overall oxygenation.
  • Improved tongue posture:
Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the tongue to rest against the palate instead of the floor of the mouth. This proper tongue posture not only aids in breathing but also plays a crucial role in dental and facial development, preventing issues like open bites and narrow jaws.
  • Correcting oral posture and muscle imbalances:
The therapy targets oral muscles to correct imbalances and dysfunctions that may have developed due to habits like mouth breathing or improper swallowing. This helps create a more stable and balanced oral environment.
  • Positive effects on speech, swallowing, and facial aesthetics:
Myofunctional therapy can lead to improved speech clarity, as proper tongue movements support articulate speech. Additionally, it aids in proper swallowing patterns, preventing issues like tongue thrusting. As a result, the therapy can positively impact facial aesthetics by promoting balanced growth and development.

C] Steps to Correct Mouth Breathing with Myofunctional Therapy

If you are wondering how to correct mouth breathing, here are some steps you can take to breathing naturally through our nostrils.

1. Evaluation and Diagnosis

The first step is an initial assessment by a qualified myofunctional therapist. The therapist will conduct an evaluation of oral habits, swallowing patterns, and tongue posture to identify any dysfunctional patterns that contribute to mouth breathing.
The therapist will also review the patient’s medical history and may request imaging or consultations with other healthcare professionals to understand the underlying causes of mouth breathing.

2. Breath Retraining

Many people mistakenly assume that myofunctional therapy is nasal breathing exercises, however that’s not the case. Nasal breathing exercises are just one component of myofunctional therapy that helps individuals gradually shift from mouth breathing to the natural and beneficial practice of breathing through the nose.
Myofunctional therapy employs some breath retraining techniques to promote nasal breathing and strengthen the nasal airway. Patients are taught various exercises to enhance their ability to breathe through their nose effectively.
How To Correct Mouth Breathing With Myofunctional Therapy? | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | Myofunctional therapy |
  • These techniques may include breathwork exercises, such as:

3. Oral Muscles Strengthening

The next step involves exercises to improve tongue posture and strengthen tongue muscles, promoting nasal breathing and proper oral function. Additionally, techniques for lip and cheek muscle control are introduced to ensure balanced oral muscle function. With consistent practice and guidance from a myofunctional therapist, individuals develop stronger oral muscles, leading to improved habits, breathing, and facial development.

4. Swallowing and Chewing Rehabilitation

Myofunctional therapy also corrects abnormal swallowing patterns, like tongue thrusting and open-mouth swallowing, by retraining the reflex for a more functional pattern. The therapy also enhances oral motor skills for proper chewing, improving jaw strength and coordination. These interventions lead to better oral health, digestion, and overall well-being. Consistent practice and guidance enable individuals to achieve a healthier and more efficient oral function.

5. Habit Correction and Lifestyle Changes

One of the most prominent questions in your mind right now would be, “Can you reverse mouth breathing effects? Is it even possible?” Yes, it is possible to gradually break the habit of mouth breathing and embrace the natural and beneficial practice of nasal breathing. It can be done with the help of Myofunctional therapy. Furthermore, you would have to make some lifestyle changes as well.

Listed below are a few habit corrections and lifestyle changes that will improve your respiratory health and overall well-being.

  • Use a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist and prevent dryness by using a humidifier.
  • Take a warm shower. It can open your nasal passages and loosen mucus by taking a warm shower.
  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can keep your nasal passages moist and prevent them from drying out.
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as it can irritate the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
  • Stress can hinder nasal breathing; incorporating healthy stress management practices like exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time in nature can help to promote better nasal airflow.

6. Myofunctional Exercises For Tongue Tie Release

There are a number of myofunctional exercises for tongue tie release that can help to strengthen the muscles that hold the tongue in the roof of the mouth, which can help to keep the airway open and prevent mouth breathing.
Some of the most common myofunctional exercises for promoting nasal breathing include:

7. Airway Orthodontics For Improving Jaw Structure

Airway orthodontics is a specialized approach that focuses on improving jaw structure and function by addressing airway issues. It focuses on the relationship between breathing and facial development with the objective to expand the upper jaw, bring the lower jaw forward and promote proper tongue posture.

This not only enhances nasal breathing but also facilitates optimal jaw growth, leading to improved facial aesthetics and overall oral health. Airway orthodontics can be beneficial for individuals with breathing difficulties and orthodontic concerns.

Combining Myofunctional Therapy with Orthodontic Treatments

Combining myofunctional therapy with orthodontic treatments offers a balanced and interconnected approach to comprehensive oral care. Myofunctional therapy addresses correcting oral posture and muscle imbalances, which aligns with the goals of orthodontics in preventing a relapse in proper teeth alignment and bite.
This dual approach ensures not only improved nasal breathing and dental health but also a more lasting and aesthetically pleasing outcome for patients, creating a harmonious connection between orofacial function and orthodontic results.

Conclusion

Seeking professional guidance from a myofunctional therapist experienced with airway orthodontics can unlock the path to retraining oral muscles, improving dental health, tongue posture, and transitioning to proper nasal breathing. So, If you’re interested in experiencing the combined benefits of myofunctional therapy & airway orthodontic treatments, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Comprehensive Care for Tongue Tie and TMJ Disorders

At our institute, we take pride in providing complete care for issues related to tongue tie and TMJ. To enhance your quality of life, we treat a range of ailments with state-of-the-art technology and expert care. If you’re searching for an effective tongue-tie operation option or a TMJ specialist in India, you have arrived at the right place.

Why Choose a Tongue Tie Operation?

A tongue tie operation or tongue tie surgery is a life-changing procedure that not only restores tongue mobility but also has a full body effect. While most people associate tongue tie with breastfeeding difficulties in infants, it can also affect speech, breathing, posture, dental health, and sleep patterns in older children and adults. By undergoing this minimally invasive fascia release procedure, patients often experience immediate improvements in functionality and overall well-being.

Benefits of a Tongue Tie Surgery

For individuals considering tongue tie surgery, the benefits are far-reaching:

  • Improved Speech Clarity : Eliminating the restriction improves the tongue's range of motion, which improves the articulation of words and sounds.
  • Better Oral Hygiene : Increased tongue movement makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, which lowers the chance of dental issues.
  • Enhanced Eating and Swallowing : Adults and children with eating difficulties often find relief post-surgery.
  • Improved Sleep : In some cases, releasing a tongue tie can alleviate sleep apnea or other breathing-related issues.
  • Improvement in Breathing efficiency : Surgery can improve nasal breathing efficiency, helping individuals transition away from compensatory mouth breathing that often leads to health concerns like dry mouth or increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Better Posture : The tongue plays a role in stabilizing the head and neck. Releasing a tongue tie can alleviate strain on these areas, promoting better posture and reducing tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw.

TMJ Specialist Mumbai: Advanced Care Tailored to Your Needs

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) that is your Jaw Joint has a significant impact on one’s quality of life, as they leave the person feeling exhausted and irritable. It not only affects essential functions like chewing, speaking, yawning but also affects one’s posture, breathing and sleep. As a leading TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.

Innovative Treatments by TMJ Specialists in India

Our approach to TMJ disorders combines state-of-the-art technology with evidence-based practices. We specialize in:
  • GNeuromuscular (GNM) Orthotic Therapy: Using advanced techniques like TENS & Jaw Tracking machines to achieve a balanced jaw and body alignment.
  • Non-Invasive Pain Management: Treatments such as laser therapy, myofunctional therapy, and physiotherapy.
  • Holistic Interventions: Integrating multidisciplinary care related to diet and mental health to treat the root cause of TMJ pain.

The Role of Tongue Tie in TMJ Disorders

Many patients are unaware that tongue tie and TMJ disorders can also be interconnected. A restricted tongue can lead to compensatory behaviors that strain the jaw, progressing towards TMJ issues.

Personalized Treatment for All Ages

Infants

For newborns, a tongue tie operation is critical in supporting breastfeeding. Infants struggling to latch or feed effectively benefit greatly from a quick and safe procedure.

Children

Tongue tie in children might affect their oral health and speech development. They can significantly enhance their quality of life with a tailored tongue tie surgery.

Adults

Adults often seek tongue tie operations for relief from symptoms such as speech impediments, TMJ pain, or even snoring. Combining tongue tie surgery with myofunctional therapy ensures optimal results.

Integrated Myofunctional Therapy

An integral part of our treatment protocols is myofunctional therapy. Exercises used in this therapy help to strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the tongue and face. Whether you’re undergoing a tongue tie operation or being treated for TMJ issues, myofunctional therapy plays a pivotal role in ensuring lasting outcomes.

Expertise and complete treatment are essential for treating TMJ issues or tongue tie. Whether you’re searching for the best tongue tie surgery options or a trusted TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we ensure personalized care and transformative results. Don’t let these conditions stop you—reach out to us today to book your consultation and start your journey toward better health and wellness.