Understanding the role of SLP training in orofacial myofunctional disorders, breathing, speech, chewing and swallowing
Quick Answer: Why Choose an SLP for Myofunctional Therapy?
A speech language pathologist (SLP) with specialized training in orofacial myofunctional disorders can evaluate how tongue posture, lip function, chewing, swallowing, speech and breathing patterns interact. Because these functions involve overlapping anatomical structures and coordinated movements, an integrated evaluation can help identify problems that might otherwise be addressed separately.
At BreatheWorks, orofacial myofunctional therapy is incorporated into a broader, individualized approach to functional assessment and treatment.
What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) addresses certain patterns of muscle function and coordination involving the tongue, lips, jaw and surrounding orofacial structures.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can involve difficulties with:
- Tongue resting posture
- Lip closure and oral resting posture
- Swallowing patterns
- Chewing and oral coordination
- Habitual mouth-open posture
- Certain speech sound productions
- Functional patterns associated with dental or orthodontic concerns
These findings do not always occur together, and the presence of one symptom does not necessarily establish an OMD.
An appropriate evaluation identifies which functional patterns are present, whether they are contributing to the patient’s concerns, and what type of intervention is indicated.
Why Does an SLP’s Training Matter?
Speech-language pathologists are trained to evaluate and treat disorders involving communication and, within their professional scope and competencies, feeding and swallowing.
Their professional education addresses anatomy, physiology, motor function and the coordination of structures involved in speech and swallowing.
This background can be particularly relevant when a patient presents with concerns that cross functional boundaries (speech, all swallowing phases, upper airway coordination, voice).
For example, a child may be referred for a persistent lisp while also demonstrating an unusual tongue resting position or swallowing pattern. An SLP trained in OMD assessment can examine the speech sound error and the associated oral function without assuming that one necessarily caused the other.
Similarly, a patient with chewing or swallowing difficulties may require evaluation of tongue movement, jaw coordination, oral sensation and the timing of swallowing.
Not every speech-language pathologist has specialized training in orofacial myofunctional therapy. OMD assessment and treatment require relevant additional education, supervised experience where appropriate, and ongoing clinical competency.
Other appropriately trained licensed professionals may also provide aspects of orofacial myofunctional care within their respective scopes of practice.
The important question is not simply a provider’s title, but whether their training and clinical experience match the patient’s needs.
Why Should Speech, Voice, Swallow, and Orofacial Function Be Evaluated Together?
The tongue, lips, jaw and surrounding structures participate in several different activities throughout the day.
These include speaking, chewing, swallowing, maintaining oral rest posture and supporting normal breathing behaviors.
Although these activities share anatomical structures, they involve different motor tasks.
A person can have an atypical swallowing pattern without a speech disorder. Another person may have a speech sound disorder with otherwise typical oral function.
When concerns occur together, a comprehensive assessment helps determine whether they are related and whether treatment should address one or several functional areas.
This is particularly important when evaluating children with speech sound distortions, persistent mouth-open posture or suspected tongue thrust.
Tongue thrust and speech sound errors
Some children with forward tongue posture or tongue thrust also demonstrate distortions of sounds such as /s/ and /z/.
However, tongue thrust does not explain every lisp or articulation difficulty.
An SLP can evaluate speech production directly, assess tongue and jaw movement, and determine whether specific oral-function patterns warrant additional intervention.
Chewing and swallowing difficulties
Eating involves more than moving food into the mouth.
It requires coordination of the jaw, tongue, lips, cheeks and swallowing mechanisms.
When a patient experiences prolonged mealtimes, difficulty manipulating food, persistent food pocketing or other feeding concerns, an appropriately trained SLP can evaluate relevant oral-motor and swallowing functions.
Signs such as coughing during meals, choking or suspected aspiration require prompt medical and swallowing assessment rather than routine exercise-based treatment alone.
Mouth breathing and oral resting posture
Persistent mouth breathing may be associated with nasal obstruction, allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, structural differences, or learned breathing and oral posture patterns.
An SLP with airway-focused and OMD training may assess habitual oral posture, lip function, tongue posture and related behaviors.
However, therapy cannot remove a physical nasal obstruction.
When obstruction or sleep-disordered breathing is suspected, medical evaluation by an appropriate provider is essential.
What Does a Comprehensive Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Include?
An evaluation should be individualized to the patient’s symptoms, age and medical history.
Depending on the presenting concerns, it may include:
1. Health and functional history
Reviewing symptoms, relevant medical and dental history, breathing concerns, sleep-related symptoms, feeding development and previous treatments.
2. Oral resting posture
Observing habitual tongue, lip and jaw position when the patient is not speaking or eating.
3. Tongue and lip function
Assessing movement, coordination and functional limitations when clinically indicated.
4. Chewing and swallowing
Examining relevant oral-phase feeding and swallowing behaviors and identifying when more specialized assessment is required.
5. Speech production
Evaluating articulation, speech sound patterns, intelligibility, and voice resonance, quality, pitch, and volume when speech concerns are present.
6. Breathing-related observations
Screening for mouth-open posture, reported nasal breathing difficulty and symptoms that may warrant referral to an ENT, allergist or sleep physician.
7. Interdisciplinary coordination
Determining whether collaboration with dental, orthodontic, medical, sleep or other rehabilitation professionals is appropriate.
A comprehensive evaluation does not mean every patient needs every test or every type of therapy.
It means the treatment plan should reflect the actual functional findings.
Why Doesn’t Myofunctional Therapy Work the Same Way for Everyone?
Orofacial myofunctional disorders vary in presentation, contributing factors and treatment needs.
For one patient, treatment may focus on oral resting posture and swallowing patterns.
For another, speech sound production and orofacial function may both need attention.
A third patient may first require medical treatment of nasal obstruction or evaluation of a suspected sleep disorder.
An individualized plan should account for:
- The patient’s specific functional findings
- Age and developmental abilities
- Medical and structural considerations
- Relevant speech, feeding and swallowing needs
- Ability to participate in therapy and home practice
- Measurable functional treatment goals
Myofunctional therapy should not be presented as a universal treatment for sleep apnea, structural airway obstruction, TMJ disorders or every speech sound disorder.
Its role depends on the diagnosis, available evidence and individual treatment plan.
How Does BreatheWorks Approach Myofunctional Therapy?
BreatheWorks approaches orofacial myofunctional disorders within the broader context of speech-language pathology, oral function and related breathing, feeding, swallowing and sleep concerns.
Rather than assuming that a presenting symptom exists independently, the clinical team considers whether related functional patterns should also be evaluated.
For example, a patient referred for tongue thrust may also have speech sound concerns, mouth-open resting posture or orthodontic considerations.
Another patient may present with feeding difficulties that warrant evaluation of chewing coordination, tongue movement and swallowing function.
The goal is to understand the patient’s functional needs and develop a treatment plan that addresses the findings supported by the evaluation.
When appropriate, BreatheWorks collaborates with other healthcare professionals, including ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, physicians and sleep specialists.
This integrated approach does not mean that every patient requires multiple treatments. It means that relevant connections are considered without losing sight of the patient’s primary concern.
How Do I Choose a Qualified Myofunctional Therapy Provider?
Before beginning treatment, consider asking:
- What professional license and specialized OMD training does the provider have?
- Does the evaluation address speech, voice, cognition, chewing and swallowing when relevant?
- How does the clinician screen for possible nasal obstruction or sleep-disordered breathing?
- When does the provider refer to an ENT, dentist, orthodontist or physician?
- How are treatment goals established and progress measured?
- Is the recommended treatment supported by the patient’s functional findings?
These questions can help patients distinguish a comprehensive clinical program from an exercise program that may not address the underlying concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a speech-language pathologist provide myofunctional therapy?
Yes. Speech-language pathologists with appropriate specialized training and competency can evaluate and treat orofacial myofunctional disorders within their professional scope of practice.
Is myofunctional therapy the same as speech therapy?
Not exactly. Myofunctional therapy addresses particular orofacial functional patterns, while speech therapy addresses communication, voice, speech, cognitive communication disorders (memory, focus, attention). These areas can overlap and may be integrated within an SLP-led treatment plan when clinically indicated.
Can myofunctional therapy help a lisp?
Some patients with speech sound distortions also have orofacial functional differences. A comprehensive assessment can determine whether articulation therapy, orofacial myofunctional intervention, or an integrated approach is appropriate.
Can an SLP diagnose sleep apnea?
No. Sleep apnea requires appropriate medical evaluation and diagnostic testing. An SLP may identify symptoms that warrant referral and provide relevant functional intervention as part of coordinated care when indicated.
Do all patients with tongue thrust need myofunctional therapy?
No. Treatment recommendations depend on the patient’s age, functional findings, associated concerns and clinical goals.
Is myofunctional therapy available for adults?
Yes. Adults may be evaluated for orofacial myofunctional concerns involving oral posture, swallowing patterns, speech/voice-related function, cognitive decline and other relevant issues. Treatment suitability is determined individually.
A More Complete Understanding of Orofacial Function
Speech, voice, chewing, swallowing, oral posture and breathing-related behaviors are not completely independent functions.
They involve overlapping structures and sometimes interacting functional patterns.
For patients with concerns spanning more than one area, an SLP with specialized orofacial myofunctional training can provide an integrated clinical perspective.
At BreatheWorks, the objective is to understand the whole functional picture, identify appropriate treatment goals, and coordinate care when other medical or dental expertise is needed.
Concerned about tongue posture, mouth breathing, speech, chewing or swallowing?
Contact BreatheWorks to request a comprehensive evaluation and learn which services may be appropriate for you or your child.
This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.
