225-635-4422 Our team may recommend myofunctional therapy if you struggle with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Since sleep apnea can lead to serious health effects, it is important to treat the disorder as soon as possible to prevent any serious issues that could arise later in life.
Myofunctional therapy is a program of exercises designed to strengthen muscle in the tongue, mouth and upper throat. The oropharynx includes the mouth and throat, and this muscle allows us to eat, talk and breathe. They also help keep the airway open while we sleep. If this muscle is weak, it will disrupt the flow of air and may cause snoring and can eventually lead to sleep apnea. A weak tongue may also fall back into the throat and create an obstruction.
Myofunctional therapy helps to strengthen those muscles, reduce symptoms and minimize the severity of sleep apnea or snoring. It is also designed to help with a variety of other ailments, including:
- Headaches
- TMJ pain
- Heartburn
- Neck pain
- Thumb sucking
- Nail biting
The exercises in myofunctional therapy should be repeated multiple times daily. It can take up to two years for the treatment to have maximum effect. When you come in for your consultation, we will review the exercises with you that we think you will find most beneficial so you can get started on reducing symptoms. Call Sullivan Dental Center today at 225-635-4422 to schedule an appointment with our dentists and learn more about myofunctional therapy in St. Francisville, Louisiana.
