Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy & Airway Health

Breathe Better. Function Better. Live Better.

At Biom Dental, our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMFT) goes beyond exercises—it addresses the root cause of poor oral function like chewing $ swallowing, improper breathing, oral rest posture and their impact on your overall health.

A major part of OMFT is identifying and correcting airway dysfunction that affects how you breathe, sleep, and develop— One of the most overlooked causes is a restricted or compromised airway.

Why Airway Health is Vital

Breathing well is the foundation of living well.

Most people think of breathing as automatic. But how you breathe—especially during sleep—can affect your brain, body, and even your smile.

Healthy Airway = Healthy Breathing = Healthy Life

When the airway is narrow or blocked—due to poor jaw development, enlarged tonsils, a tongue-tie, or poor oral posture or poor oral functions—it causes

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Sleep-disordered breathing
• Improper jaw growth
• Sleep apnoea
• Poor facial development

How Poor Airway Health Affects the Whole Body

Effects on the Body (Systemic Health):

1. Poor Sleep Quality:

• Interrupted sleep due to snoring or sleep apnea
• Daytime fatigue, irritability, or hyperactivity (especially in children)
• Poor concentration, memory, or focus

2. Behavioral and Developmental Problems:

• In children, airway issues are often misdiagnosed as ADHD or learning disorders
• Bedwetting, night terrors, and emotional imbalance

3. Reduced Oxygen Supply:

• Brain and organs receive less oxygen, leading to long-term fatigue, brain fog, and poor immune response

4. Cardiovascular Stress:

• A restricted airway increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke

5. Digestive and Hormonal Issues:

• Poor sleep disrupts hormone production, appetite control, and digestion

Effects on the Mouth and Oral Health:

1. Mouth Breathing:

• Leads to dry mouth, bad breath, and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease
• Alters tongue posture and jaw development

2. Crooked Teeth and Jaw Misalignment:

• Improper breathing affects how the jaws grow, causing crowded teeth, overbites, or underbites

3. High Narrow Palate and Facial Changes:

• The roof of the mouth narrows and rises, affecting the nasal passage and facial symmetry
• Children may develop long faces or poor facial growth

4. Tongue-Tie and Improper Swallowing:

• Restricted tongue movement contributes to poor oral habits like tongue thrust, leading to misaligned teeth and poor speech

5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues:

• Compensating for poor breathing strains the jaw joints, leading to pain, clicking, or headaches

These are not just dental problems—they’re airway red flags.

How OMFT Helps Fix the Airway

Our OMFT program is customized to:

• Correct tongue posture
• Train nasal breathing
• Restore healthy muscle tone of lips, cheeks, and tongue
• Support proper swallowing and jaw alignment
• Improve facial balance and oral function

Combined with functional orthodontics or airway expansion when needed, OMFT sets the foundation for long-term oral and systemic health.

Signs You or Your Child Need an Airway & OMFT Evaluation

• Chronic mouth breathing
• Snoring or noisy breathing at night
• Restless sleep or waking up tired
• Crowded teeth or narrow jaw
• Speech delays or improper swallowing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Forward head posture or slouched shoulders
• Daytime drowsiness or poor attention span

Our Holistic Approach at Biom Dental

We combine functional orthodontics, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and airway screening to identify and treat the root causes of breathing issues. Our focus is not just on straightening teeth, but also:

• Expanding the jaw and airway
• Encouraging nasal breathing
• Correcting oral muscle function
• Supporting better sleep and long-term health

Your Breath Shapes Your Health

Breathing through your nose with the right tongue posture is essential for oral health, brain development, and total wellness. That’s why we don’t just fix teeth—we fix the foundation: your airway and function.

Let us help you or your child breathe better, sleep better, and live better.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMFT) - FAQs

1. What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMFT)?

OMFT is a specialized therapy that helps correct dysfunctional muscle habits related to breathing, chewing, swallowing, tongue posture, and facial development. It focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat to promote better oral function, airway health, and overall wellness.

2. Who can benefit from OMFT?

OMFT is beneficial for:

• Children with mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or improper jaw growth
• Adults with TMJ pain, sleep apnea, or chronic headaches
• Orthodontic patients to prevent relapse after braces
• Individuals with speech difficulties or swallowing disorders
• People suffering from snoring and sleep-disordered breathing

3. How does OMFT help with mouth breathing?

Mouth breathing can lead to poor oxygenation, sleep issues, and facial development problems. OMFT retrains the muscles to support nasal breathing, improving oxygen intake, sleep quality, and overall health.

4. What are the signs that I or my child may need OMFT?

Common signs include:

• Chronic mouth breathing
• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Disturbed sleep / difficulty falling asleep
• Daytime Fatigue / drowsiness during the day
• Poor concentration
• TMJ pain and jaw clicking
• Speech difficulties or lisping
• Open-mouth posture
• Orthodontic issues and teeth misalignment
• Forward head posture
• Frequent ENT infections or allergies, nasal congestion

5. Can OMFT help with sleep apnea and snoring?

Yes! OMFT improves tongue posture, nasal breathing, and muscle tone in the airway, helping to reduce snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms. It works well as a non-invasive approach or alongside CPAP or oral appliance therapy.

6. Is OMFT effective for TMJ pain and jaw disorders?

Absolutely! Poor tongue posture and muscle dysfunction contribute to TMJ disorders. OMFT includes exercises to stabilize the jaw, relieve muscle tension, and promote proper jaw function.

7. What is the connection between OMFT and orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment aligns teeth, but without correcting underlying muscle dysfunction, teeth can shift back. OMFT ensures long-term stability by addressing the tongue, lips, and facial muscles that influence teeth positioning, without the need for permanent retainers.

8. How does OMFT help children’s facial growth and development?

OMFT encourages proper tongue posture and nasal breathing, guiding natural jaw growth and preventing issues like narrow palates, crowded teeth, and improper bite. Early intervention leads to better facial development and airway health.

9. Can OMFT improve speech and swallowing issues?

Yes! Many speech difficulties, such as lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, are linked to tongue tie, lip tie, poor tongue posture and swallowing patterns. OMFT strengthens oral muscles for clearer speech and proper swallowing function.

10. How long does OMFT treatment take?

OMFT programs typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual's needs. The therapy involves weekly or biweekly sessions with exercises to practice daily for lasting results.

11. Is OMFT a replacement for orthodontic treatment?

No, but it complements orthodontics by correcting muscle imbalances that contribute to misalignment. This helps prevent relapse after braces and ensures a stable, functional bite.

12. Can OMFT help with tongue-tie or lip-tie issues?

Yes! OMFT plays a crucial role in pre- and post-frenectomy care to improve tongue mobility, speech, and swallowing function for better long-term results.

13. Is OMFT painful?

No, OMFT is a gentle and non-invasive therapy. It involves simple exercises and techniques designed to retrain muscles gradually.

14. How do I start OMFT treatment?

You can start by booking a consultation at Biom Dental. Our experts will assess your needs and create a customized OMFT program for you or your child.