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What is Myofunctional Coaching?

Improving Breathing, Oral Function, and Facial Development — One Muscle at a Time

Myofunctional coaching is a specialized form of exercise-based therapy that focuses on the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. It addresses dysfunctions in how we breathe, swallow, speak, and rest — all of which play a critical role in oral health, sleep quality, and overall wellness.

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Whether for children or adults, myofunctional coaching can correct harmful habits and support long-term health in a natural, non-invasive way.

The Basics of Myofunctional Coaching

At its core, myofunctional coaching at The BreatheWell Group is like physical therapy for your mouth and face. It involves a series of targeted exercises that help:

  • Strengthen and tone the facial muscles

  • Encourage proper tongue posture

  • Promote nasal (not mouth) breathing

  • Correct dysfunctional swallowing or chewing patterns

  • Support speech and orthodontic goals

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We often collaborate with orthodontists, dentists, ENTs, speech therapists, and sleep specialists.

What Happens When Oral Muscles Don’t Function Properly?

Poor oral muscle habits — also known as orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) — can lead to a range of issues, such as:

  • Chronic mouth breathing

  • Tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing)

  • Open bite or other bite misalignments

  • Snoring or sleep-disordered breathing

  • Speech challenges like lisps

  • Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use in children

 

Myofunctional coaching works by retraining the muscles involved, so the body can function the way it was naturally designed to.

Key Benefits of Myofunctional Coaching

Better Breathing

Encourages nasal breathing and reduces reliance on mouth breathing, which supports better oxygenation and sleep.

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Improves oral posture and airway function — which can reduce snoring, nighttime mouth breathing, and symptoms of sleep apnea.

Proper Tongue Posture

Teaches the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth, which is essential for facial development and airway health.

Orthodontic Support

Stabilizes orthodontic results and reduces the risk of teeth shifting after braces or expanders.

Improved Swallow and Chewing Function

Helps with swallowing disorders and digestive efficiency by promoting correct chewing and tongue coordination.

Speech Improvement

Corrects tongue positioning and muscle coordination, which can enhance articulation and speech clarity.

Who is Myofunctional Coaching For?

Toddlers & Children
To address mouth breathing, thumb sucking, tongue ties, speech delays, or early jaw development concerns.

Adolescents
To support orthodontic treatment, eliminate tongue thrust, and improve breathing and sleep.

Adults
To manage sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, facial pain, speech issues, or post-orthodontic relapse.

What Happens in a Myofunctional Coaching Session?

Our sessions typically include:

  1. Assessment of oral habits, muscle tone, posture, and breathing.

  2. A customized program of daily exercises (short, consistent practice is key).

  3. Progress tracking and regular check-ins with a certified professional.

  4. Collaboration with other providers (dentist, orthodontist, ENT, or speech-language pathologist) when needed.

 

Sessions are often done in-person or online, making it accessible for families and adults alike.

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A Natural Solution With Lasting Results

Myofunctional coaching doesn’t rely on surgery or medication. It works by empowering the body to function better naturally — building strength, coordination, and healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Whether your goal is to improve sleep, support orthodontic treatment, or help your child breathe better, myofunctional coaching at The BreatheWell Group offers a holistic, evidence-based path to wellness.

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