Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy
in Buford, GA
Supporting the Oral Skills Behind Eating and Speech
The muscles and structures of the mouth have to work together for everyday functions like eating, chewing, and speaking. When those movements are not working as effectively as they should, your child may need support developing better awareness, coordination, and function.
At Buford Kids’ SPOT, myofunctional therapy looks closely at how your child uses the muscles and structures of their mouth and how those patterns may be affecting feeding, articulation, or other areas of oral function.
What Is Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy focuses on the function and movement of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and related structures. It can be used to look at areas such as tongue movement and rest posture, oral awareness, chewing, biting, and how the structures of the mouth work together.
Myofunctional therapy also considers airway and overall oral function. In speech therapy, these techniques may be incorporated when the way a child moves or positions their tongue and other oral structures is affecting articulation or feeding.
Because these functions are closely connected, a challenge in one area can sometimes affect another. For example, the way a child uses their tongue or jaw may influence both feeding and speech, which is why therapy often looks at how these skills work together rather than separately.
When Might Myofunctional Therapy Help?
Your child may benefit from myofunctional therapy when difficulties with oral movement or function are affecting areas such as:
- Chewing food effectively
- Biting down on food
- Tongue movement and awareness
- Tongue rest posture
- Oral skills needed for feeding
- Speech sound production or articulation
- Oral function related to orthodontic needs
Myofunctional therapy may also be considered for some children preparing for orthodontic treatment or when oral structures and movement patterns are contributing to feeding challenges.
Our Approach to Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy at Buford Kids’ SPOT is based on your child’s individual function and needs. Therapy may include hands-on techniques, oral movement activities, and work designed to improve awareness and activation of the muscles and nerves involved in chewing, biting, feeding, and speech. When myofunctional needs overlap with feeding or articulation, those areas can be addressed together rather than treating each challenge in isolation.
What Can Your Child Work on in Myofunctional Therapy?
Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may focus on:
- Tongue movement and awareness
- Tongue rest posture
- Oral motor coordination
- Chewing and biting skills
- Activation and use of oral muscles
- Feeding-related oral function
- Speech and articulation skills affected by oral movement patterns
- Greater awareness and control of movements within the mouth
Let’s Find the Right Support for Your Child
If you’ve noticed difficulties with your child’s chewing, biting, speech, or other oral skills, Buford Kids’ SPOT can help you take a closer look at what may be contributing. We’ll learn more about your child’s needs and help determine whether myofunctional therapy may be an appropriate part of their care.