When Something Feels “Off”: Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Kids
Over the past year, more and more parents have been asking me about orofacial myofunctional therapy.
They’ll say things like:
“My child’s mouth is always open.”
“She chews in a way that just seems hard.”
“He snores… is that normal?”
“Speech is improving, but something still feels off.”
If you’ve had that quiet nudge that something isn’t quite lining up, you’re not imagining it.
Often, these pieces are connected.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a way of gently helping the mouth — and the body — function more efficiently. We look at how the tongue, lips, jaw, breathing, and posture are working together throughout your child’s day.
Because the mouth doesn’t work in isolation. And neither does your child.
It’s About Patterns, Not Just Sounds
When I meet with a child, I’m not just listening to speech sounds.
I’m noticing:
Is their mouth resting open?
Are they breathing comfortably through their nose?
Where does their tongue sit when they’re relaxed?
Does chewing look smooth — or tiring?
These are patterns that happen all day long. And when the muscles aren’t working in balance, children adapt the best way they can.
They aren’t doing anything wrong. Their bodies are just compensating.
Over time, those compensations can show up in speech clarity, feeding challenges, restless sleep, or dental development.
OMT is a way of supporting healthier patterns so the mouth can do its job with less effort.
The Posture Connection (That Most People Don’t Expect)
This is one of my favorite things to explain to families.
The way a child holds their head and body directly affects how their mouth works.
If the head is tipped forward, shoulders rounded, or the rib cage collapsed, it becomes much harder to:
Keep lips closed comfortably
Breathe easily through the nose
Rest the tongue on the roof of the mouth
The body and mouth are constantly influencing each other.
Sometimes when we improve posture and breathing, oral patterns begin to shift naturally. That’s why I always look at the whole child — not just the tongue.
When Can Kids Start?
Structured OMT usually begins around ages 3–5, when children are ready to follow simple directions and practice at home.
With younger children, we don’t jump into drills. We build readiness first. That might look like play-based oral motor exploration, feeding support, strengthening nasal breathing, or improving overall body coordination and stability.
We always move at a pace that feels appropriate and supportive — never forced.
Where Craniosacral Therapy Comes In
Sometimes tension or subtle restrictions in the head, neck, or jaw make it harder for a child to breathe comfortably or coordinate their mouth.
Gentle craniosacral therapy can support alignment and nervous system regulation, helping the body feel more organized and at ease.
When a child feels regulated and supported in their body, learning new patterns becomes easier.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about creating the right foundation.
Why Early Support Matters
It’s easier to build healthy habits early than to undo long-standing patterns later.
That doesn’t mean every open mouth or messy chew needs therapy. But if something keeps catching your attention, it’s okay to explore it.
Sometimes you just need reassurance.
Sometimes small shifts make a big difference.
If you’re wondering whether OMT might support your child, I’m always happy to talk through what you’re noticing and help you decide what makes sense for your family.
You don’t have to piece it together alone.