Starting myofunctional therapy exercises for kids can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you're trying to figure out how to get a wiggly child to focus on something as specific as where their tongue is sitting. If your dentist or speech pathologist mentioned "myofunctional therapy," they're basically talking about physical therapy for the mouth. It's all about retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and lips to work the way they were designed to.
Most of us never think about how we breathe or swallow, but for some kids, these basic habits get a little off track. Maybe they breathe through their mouth most of the time, or perhaps their tongue pushes against their teeth when they swallow—something pros call a tongue thrust. These little habits can actually change how a child's face grows or lead to messy orthodontic issues later on. The good news? Kids are incredibly adaptable, and with some consistent practice, these exercises can make a massive difference.
Why these mouth "workouts" actually matter
It might seem strange to have your child practice clicking their tongue or holding a button between their lips, but there's a solid reason behind the madness. The goal of myofunctional therapy exercises for kids is to establish what we call "optimal resting posture." In plain English, that means the tongue should live on the roof of the mouth, the lips should be gently closed, and breathing should happen through the nose.
When a child's tongue hangs low in the mouth or pushes forward, it doesn't provide the internal support the upper jaw needs to grow wide and flat. This often leads to crowded teeth or a narrow palate. Plus, mouth breathing can lead to poor sleep, which we all know makes for a very grumpy household. By working on these exercises, you're helping your child build a foundation for better sleep, clearer speech, and a healthier smile.
Getting the tongue to find its "home"
The most important part of this whole process is teaching the tongue where it's supposed to stay when it's not talking or eating. We call this "The Spot." It's that little bumpy ridge on the roof of the mouth, right behind the front teeth.
Finding the spot
Have your child say the letter "N." You'll notice the tip of their tongue hits a specific place. That's the spot! A fun way to practice this is to put a tiny piece of a dissolvable fruit strip or a small crumb on that spot and have them hold it there with the tip of their tongue until it melts. It's a simple way to build awareness without it feeling like a chore.
The tongue click
Most kids love this one because it makes a loud noise. Have them suction their tongue to the roof of the mouth and then pull it down quickly to make a "cluck" or "pop" sound—just like a horse galloping. This builds strength in the back of the tongue, which is crucial for proper swallowing. Try to see if they can do 10 loud pops in a row.
The "Cave" (Suction)
This is a bit more advanced. Ask your child to suction their entire tongue up against the roof of their mouth (like they're making the clicking sound) but instead of popping it down, tell them to hold it there. Their tongue should look like a flat ceiling inside a cave. See if they can hold it for five seconds, then ten, while keeping their mouth open wide. It's harder than it looks!
Strengthening the lips and cheeks
If a child is a chronic mouth breather, their lip muscles might be a bit weak or "lazy." This makes it hard for them to keep their mouth closed naturally. We want the lips to be the body's natural seal.
The button pull
This one is a classic. Tie a piece of dental floss through the holes of a large button (make sure it's big enough that they won't swallow it!). Have your child place the button between their teeth and their lips—not behind their teeth. They have to use their lip muscles to hold the button in place while you gently tug on the string. It's like a tiny game of tug-of-war for their face.
The "Monkey Face"
To work on the lower lip and chin area, have your child tuck their upper lip over their top teeth and their lower lip over their bottom teeth, then try to "smack" their lips together. Or, have them puff out their cheeks with air and move the air from side to side without letting any leak out of their mouth. It's silly, it looks ridiculous, and it's great for building muscle tone.
Making breathing a nose-only activity
One of the main goals of myofunctional therapy exercises for kids is to shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing. Breathing through the nose filters the air, warms it up, and helps the body absorb more oxygen.
The paper hold
While your child is watching TV or reading a book, have them hold a small piece of paper or a popsicle stick between their lips. The rule is they can't let it drop. This forces them to breathe through their nose while they're distracted. It's a great way to build the habit of keeping the mouth shut during "passive" time.
Nasal clearing
Sometimes kids breathe through their mouths simply because their noses feel stuffed up. Teaching them how to gently clear their nose or using a simple saline spray can help. You can also play "the smelling game." Hide different scents (cinnamon, vanilla, a lemon slice) in jars and have them take deep, slow breaths through their nose to guess what the scent is.
How to keep it from becoming a struggle
Let's be real: most kids aren't going to jump for joy at the idea of doing "tongue push-ups." The key is to keep things light and integrated into your daily routine. You don't need a formal hour-long session; five minutes a few times a day is usually plenty.
Use a mirror. Kids love looking at themselves. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror while they brush their teeth is the perfect time to knock out a few exercises. They can see exactly what their tongue is doing, which helps with the mind-muscle connection.
Make it a game. Give the exercises funny names. Instead of "lingual suction," call it "The Octopus." Use a sticker chart to track their progress. If they complete their exercises for a week, maybe they get to pick the movie for Friday night.
Be patient. These are muscles that have likely been moving "the wrong way" for years. It's going to take time to build new neural pathways. If they get frustrated, take a break. The goal is to make these movements second nature, not a source of stress.
Consistency is the secret sauce
You'll start to see the best results when these myofunctional therapy exercises for kids become just another part of the day, like tying shoes or washing hands. You might notice your child's speech getting clearer, or maybe they stop snoring at night. Even small changes, like seeing them sit quietly with their lips closed while they play, are big wins.
It's also important to stay in touch with your therapist or dentist. They can tweak the exercises as your child gets stronger and ensure everything is moving in the right direction. It's a bit of a journey, but helping your child develop these healthy habits now is a gift that will keep their smile bright and their breathing easy for years to come. Just keep it fun, stay consistent, and don't be afraid to make some silly faces along the way!