Myofunctional Therapy: What It Is, Who It Helps and How It Works
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a treatment that trains the muscles of the mouth and face, including the tongue, lips and cheeks, to move correctly and rest in the right position. A trained provider guides targeted exercises that can improve breathing, chewing, swallowing and speech, and may help with obstructive sleep apnea, tongue thrust and TMJ disorders. [1][2]
What the research says
Exercises reduced sleep apnea severity in adults. A meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials (310 patients) found myofunctional therapy lowered breathing interruptions by an average of 10.2 events per hour and cut daytime sleepiness scores by 5.66 points versus sham or no therapy. In the one pediatric trial, compliance was under 50% and no benefit was seen. (Saba et al., Laryngoscope, 2024) [2]
Daytime sleepiness probably improves in the short term. A review of 9 randomized trials (347 participants, 2–4 months of therapy) found exercises probably reduced sleepiness by 4.52 points compared with sham therapy (moderate-certainty evidence); CPAP still reduced breathing events more. (Rueda et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2020) [3]
Jaw pain eased in most TMJ trials. A systematic review of 4 randomized trials found the therapy reduced pain intensity in 3 of 4 studies, alone or with other care, though the overall evidence was rated weak. (Melis et al., Cranio, 2022) [4]
Key takeaways
Myofunctional therapy, also called orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), is an exercise-based treatment for the muscles of the mouth and face.
It treats orofacial myofunctional disorders: abnormal muscle patterns that affect breathing, chewing, swallowing or speaking.
It is designed for children aged 4 and older, teenagers and adults.
Treatment usually lasts 6 to 12 months, with a mix of supervised and home sessions.
It has no known risks, and most research so far focuses on obstructive sleep apnea.
What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a structured exercise program that retrains the muscles of the mouth and face so they move as they should and rest in the proper position. [1] The exercises work the cheeks, tongue and lips.
The therapy does two things at once:
Strengthens muscles that may be weak or poorly coordinated.
Sharpens awareness of facial movement (proprioception), so correct positions become automatic.
The goal is for the jaws, lips, teeth and tongue to work smoothly together as one unit. [1]
What does myofunctional therapy treat?
Myofunctional therapy treats orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), which are abnormal muscle movement patterns in the mouth and face that affect how a person breathes, chews, swallows or speaks. [1] Providers may use it for the conditions below.
Condition | What happens | How therapy may help |
Not enough air comes in through the nose, even after nasal blockages are treated | Retrains nasal breathing patterns | |
Soft tissues in the head and neck narrow the airway during sleep | ||
Open mouth posture | Lips stay apart at rest and the tongue sits low | Builds a lip seal and teaches the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth |
Tongue thrust | The tongue pushes against or between the teeth, mostly in children | Corrects swallowing and tongue position [6] |
Frequent clenching damages teeth and may cause headaches or jaw pain | Improves jaw muscle control | |
Problems in the jaw joints and nearby muscles and ligaments | May reduce pain intensity [4] | |
Recovery after jaw surgery | Chewing can be harder after surgery | Helps restore chewing function [5] |
Recovery after tongue-tie release | Tongue movement is limited after a lingual frenectomy | Stretches tongue muscles for better range of motion |
Why does resting tongue position matter?
At rest, the lips should come together to form a seal and the tongue should sit lightly suctioned to the roof of the mouth. [1] When the mouth stays slightly open, the tongue often drops to the floor of the mouth. Over time, this posture can lead to problems with the teeth, jaws and tongue.
How does tongue thrust affect children?
Tongue thrust in children makes it harder to swallow normally and to say sounds such as s, z, t, d and n clearly. [1] It can also affect how the teeth develop. Tongue thrust is a retained infant swallowing pattern that can lead to an open bite and protruding teeth. [6] Many tongue-thrust exercises can be done at home with a parent supervising. [6]
Who can have myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is designed for school-aged children (4 years and older), teenagers and adults. [1] It is not suitable for babies and toddlers, because the exercises require understanding and following specific directions.
Age also affects results. In sleep apnea research, children struggled to keep up with the exercises, and the single pediatric trial showed no clear benefit. [2]
What happens during a myofunctional therapy session?
A myofunctional therapy session involves exercises from a plan built around your specific needs. [1] Activities may include:
Singing
Playing a wind instrument
Breathing exercises
Lifting or extending the tongue in set ways
Holding a small object between the lips
These exercises combine two styles: movements done through a range of motion and holds against resistance. They target the muscles used for speaking, breathing, blowing, sucking, chewing and swallowing. [3]
How long does myofunctional therapy take?
Myofunctional therapy typically lasts 6 to 12 months, though some people need more or less time depending on their condition. [1] Your provider decides how many days per week you practice and how long each session lasts.
Consistency matters. Studies link poor adherence with weaker results, especially in children. [2]
Who provides myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is provided by healthcare professionals with special training in orofacial myofunctional disorders. [1] Common backgrounds include:
Occupational therapists
Dental hygienists
Some providers hold certifications from professional societies, which require rigorous training and ongoing education. Credentials you may see include COMT® (certified orofacial myofunctional therapist) and COM® (certified orofacial myologist). [1]
These therapists usually work as part of a team with oral surgeons, ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and sleep medicine specialists. [1]
What are the benefits of myofunctional therapy?
The main benefit of myofunctional therapy is easier nasal breathing, chewing and clear speech through better muscle control. [1] It may also:
Improve lip and tongue position to support tooth alignment and oral health
Support recovery after jaw surgery
Support the goals of orthodontic treatment
Show whether you also need speech therapy
Boost self-confidence
Does myofunctional therapy help sleep apnea?
Myofunctional therapy can help adults with obstructive sleep apnea, and it is the most studied use of the therapy. [1][2] Evidence suggests it may:
Make nighttime breathing problems less severe
Reduce daytime sleepiness
Raise oxygen levels during sleep
Reduce how often you snore
Serve as an alternative or add-on to CPAP
In a pooled analysis of 7 trials, adults also gained 2.71 percentage points in their lowest overnight oxygen level. [2] The researchers concluded the therapy may be a reasonable option for people who cannot tolerate CPAP. [2]
It is not a direct replacement for CPAP for everyone. In head-to-head comparisons, CPAP lowered breathing events more than exercises alone. [3] For this reason, it is often used together with other sleep apnea treatments.
Does myofunctional therapy help after jaw surgery?
Myofunctional therapy can improve chewing after jaw (orthognathic) surgery. In a randomized trial, people who completed ten therapy sessions after surgery had better chewing scores at six months, with muscle activity patterns that moved closer to those of people with normal bites. [5]
How is myofunctional therapy different from speech therapy?
Myofunctional therapy | Speech therapy | |
Main focus | Muscle function and rest posture of the mouth and face | Speaking and language skills |
Typical goals | Nasal breathing, chewing, swallowing, tongue position | Sound production, fluency, language understanding |
Overlap | Can reveal whether speech therapy is also needed [1] | May use oral-motor work as part of a wider plan |
What are the risks of myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy has no known risks. [1] A large review of trials looked for side effects and found none reported. [3]
The main limits are practical. Research is still growing, so providers are still learning the best techniques for each condition and the ideal length of treatment. [1] Results also depend on doing the exercises regularly. [2]
When should you talk to a healthcare provider?
Talk to a healthcare provider if you want to learn whether myofunctional therapy could help you or your child. [1] If you are already in therapy, reach out anytime you have questions or concerns about your plan.
See a doctor promptly if you or your child:
Snores loudly, gasps or stops breathing during sleep — learn the signs of sleep apnea in children
Feels very sleepy during the day
Has ongoing jaw pain, clicking or trouble chewing — read about temporomandibular disorders
Breathes through the mouth most of the time
These symptoms need a proper diagnosis first, because myofunctional therapy is usually one part of a wider treatment plan.
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy is a safe, exercise-based treatment that retrains the muscles of the mouth and face. It may help with mouth breathing, sleep apnea, tongue thrust, teeth grinding and TMJ problems, and it supports recovery after jaw or tongue-tie surgery. The strongest evidence is for adults with obstructive sleep apnea, especially as an add-on or alternative for people who struggle with CPAP. Most plans run 6 to 12 months and work best with steady daily practice.
Next step: If you notice mouth breathing, snoring, jaw pain or swallowing problems, ask your doctor, dentist or a trained myofunctional therapist whether this therapy fits your situation. Keep learning with our guides on mouth breathing, obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ disorders.
FAQ
What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based treatment that trains the muscles of the mouth and face to move correctly and rest in the proper position. It targets the tongue, lips and cheeks to support breathing, chewing, swallowing and speech.
What does myofunctional therapy treat?
Myofunctional therapy treats orofacial myofunctional disorders, including mouth breathing, open mouth posture and tongue thrust. It may also help with obstructive sleep apnea, teeth grinding, TMJ disorders and recovery after jaw or tongue-tie surgery.
Does myofunctional therapy work for sleep apnea?
Myofunctional therapy can reduce sleep apnea severity and daytime sleepiness in adults, based on randomized trials. It is often used alongside other treatments, and CPAP still lowers breathing events more than exercises alone.
How long does myofunctional therapy take to work?
Myofunctional therapy typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the condition being treated. Results depend on practicing the exercises regularly, both with your provider and at home.
What age can you start myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is suitable from about age 4 through adulthood. It is not used for babies and toddlers because the exercises require following specific directions.
Who does myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is done by healthcare providers with special training in orofacial myofunctional disorders, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and dental hygienists. Some hold certifications such as COMT® or COM®.
Is myofunctional therapy safe?
Myofunctional therapy has no known risks. Reviews of clinical trials have not reported side effects from the exercises.
What exercises are used in myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy exercises may include singing, playing a wind instrument, breathing exercises, specific tongue lifts and stretches, and holding a small object between the lips. A therapist builds a plan around each person's needs.
Can myofunctional therapy replace CPAP?
Usually not on its own. It may lower sleep apnea severity, but many people still need CPAP or another main treatment. Talk to your sleep doctor before changing or stopping any treatment.
Can myofunctional therapy fix tongue thrust?
Myofunctional therapy is commonly used for tongue thrust. Exercises train the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth and to move correctly when you swallow.
Related Reading
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Causes, and What Actually Helps explains sleep apnea symptoms, risks and treatment options.
Mouth Breathing: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention covers why mouth breathing happens and how it affects health.
Understanding the Frenum: Anatomy, Function, and Oral Health explains tongue-tie and lip-tie and how they affect the mouth.
Speech Therapy: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How It Works describes how speech therapy helps with speech, language and swallowing.
References
Cleveland Clinic. What Is Myofunctional Therapy and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)? Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 30, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/myofunctional-therapy
Saba ES, Kim H, Huynh P, et al. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Laryngoscope. 2024;134(1):480-495. PMID 37606313. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.30974
Rueda JR, Mugueta-Aguinaga I, Vilaró J, et al. Myofunctional therapy (oropharyngeal exercises) for obstructive sleep apnoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;11(11):CD013449. PMID 33141943. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013449.pub2
Melis M, Di Giosia M, Zawawi KH. Oral myofunctional therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. Cranio. 2022;40(1):41-47. PMID 31530110. https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2019.1668996
Prado DGA, Berretin-Felix G, Migliorucci RR, et al. Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on masticatory function in individuals submitted to orthognathic surgery: a randomized trial. J Appl Oral Sci. 2018;26:e20170164. PMID 29412368. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2017-0164
Shah SS, Nankar MY, Bendgude VD, et al. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Tongue Thrust Habit: A Narrative Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2021;14(2):298-303. PMID 34413610. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1926
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific symptoms or condition.
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