Myofunctional Therapy in Kansas City – Give Your Child the Gift of Healthy Breathing and Facial Growth

At Root Holistic Pediatric Dentistry, myofunctional therapy isn't an afterthought—it's a foundation of how we help children develop healthy breathing patterns and balanced facial growth. Myofunctional therapy is a series of gentle, targeted exercises that train the muscles of the mouth and face to move and rest properly. These exercises strengthen the tongue, cheeks, and lips to encourage lip seal, nasal breathing, and proper tongue posture, while discouraging habits like mouth breathing and tongue thrusting that can contribute to misaligned teeth and narrow airways.

Our pediatric dentist completed a two‑year pediatric dental residency at Children's Mercy Hospital, one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, and undertook an intensive 12‑week myofunctional therapy course with Sarah Hornsby. This unique combination means you are working with one of the only pediatric dentist in the Kansas City area trained to identify and address the root causes of breathing and bite concerns—not just the symptoms. We blend advanced digital imaging, hands‑on assessment, and playful tools like the Tooth Pillow® guidance appliance to create an engaging and effective approach for children of all ages.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy and Why It Matters

Traditional dentistry often focuses on teeth alone, but the health of a child's airway and oral muscles plays a profound role in overall growth and development. Myofunctional therapy is a medically recognized treatment for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). According to the Cleveland Clinic, myofunctional therapy trains the muscles of the mouth and face to move and rest properly using exercises involving the cheeks, tongue, and lips. It is commonly used to address mouth breathing, open‑mouth posture, tongue thrust, bruxism, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) concerns, and obstructive sleep apnea.

SingHealth notes that tongue and throat exercises increase muscle tone and strength and can reduce collapse of the upper airway during sleep, improving snoring and sleep‑disordered breathing. Nasal breathing stabilizes the airway, while mouth breathing—especially during sleep—allows the tongue to fall backward and narrow the airway. When children develop proper oral muscle function, families often notice better sleep, improved speech clarity, and more balanced facial growth—benefits that may be overlooked in practices without myofunctional training.

Myofunctional therapy is safe, non‑invasive, and supportive of growth, making it an ideal option for children during key developmental years.

Our Comprehensive Approach: High‑Tech Assessment Meets Hands‑On Care

We believe meaningful therapy begins with a thorough evaluation. Your child's visit starts with a two‑hour comprehensive examination, far more time than a typical dental appointment. This unhurried visit allows us to evaluate facial symmetry, measure how far the mouth opens, and capture detailed intra‑oral and extra‑oral photographs.

We also utilize the Planmeca Viso G5 cone‑beam imaging system to obtain 3‑D views of your child's jaws and airway. Cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables clinicians to visualize airway shape, calculate airway volume, and identify areas of restriction that may contribute to sleep‑disordered breathing. CBCT images are recorded at a true 1:1 scale and use shorter exposure times than conventional medical CT scans. Combined with ultra‑low radiation settings and motion‑correction technology, this allows us to gather highly detailed information while minimizing exposure, following the principle of keeping radiation "As-Low-As-Reasonably-Achievable" (ALARA)

While many general dentists rely solely on 2‑D X‑rays, our pediatric‑focused, airway‑centered approach integrates advanced imaging with hands‑on clinical measurements. This depth of evaluation helps us understand how oral muscle function, breathing, and growth are interconnected—so we can address the underlying dysfunction rather than simply managing symptoms.

Structured Therapy, Playful Tools, and Virtual Options

Once we have a complete understanding of your child's oral and airway health, we use evidence‑based myofunctional exercises to support healthy development. Our goals center on four keystones of function: lip seal, nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and correct swallowing patterns. Exercises are taught in a child‑friendly way to strengthen the tongue and oropharyngeal muscles, improve swallowing mechanics, and encourage nose breathing.

As part of this structured approach, we often recommend the Tooth Pillow® guidance appliance, especially for younger children who may struggle with following exercise instructions alone. Tooth Pillow helps train the tongue to rest in its ideal position, supports proper jaw alignment, and promotes nasal breathing. It is most effective for children ages 3–12 and can reduce the need for orthodontic intervention while supporting airway health. The appliance works best when paired with myofunctional exercises that improve tongue mobility and posture.

For families seeking flexibility, we also offer an inexpensive virtual myofunctional therapy option. This allows families to establish a strong foundational routine at home, making therapy more accessible and time‑efficient. If additional support is needed, we coordinate referrals to trusted local myofunctional therapists who can build upon the foundation already established—saving families time and money while maintaining continuity of care.

The Root Holistic Difference

Myofunctional therapy may be offered by speech‑language pathologists or hygienists, but very few pediatric dentists are trained to integrate it into comprehensive, airway‑focused dental care. At Root Holistic Pediatric Dentistry, your child benefits from a doctor with advanced pediatric training in a hospital setting and dedicated education in myofunctional therapy.

We take the time to understand how your child breathes, rests their tongue, and grows. We use advanced imaging to detect hidden issues, minimize radiation exposure, and guide clinical decisions. Rather than focusing only on straight teeth, we address how muscle function and breathing influence sleep quality, facial development, and long‑term health.

Choosing a pediatric dentist with airway and myofunctional training gives your child the best opportunity for lifelong healthy breathing, balanced facial growth, and confident smiles. Schedule a comprehensive airway evaluation today and discover how our structured myofunctional therapy approach supports your child's health from the inside out.