Myofunctional Therapy in Newport Beach, CA
Supporting healthy tongue posture, breathing, swallowing, and oral muscle function.
Myofunctional therapy focuses on the way the tongue, lips, cheeks and oral muscles function during breathing, swallowing, speaking and resting posture. Rita Daghlian, DDS provides myofunctional therapy guidance in Newport Beach, California, for children with oral habits, tongue posture concerns, mouth breathing patterns or developmental issues that may affect long-term oral health.
Concerned about mouth breathing, tongue posture, thumb sucking or swallowing habits? Call 949-706-7006 today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Daghlian.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy uses targeted exercises and habit training to improve the function and resting posture of the oral and facial muscles. The goal is to support healthier patterns for nasal breathing, tongue posture, lip seal and swallowing.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From a Myofunctional Evaluation
A myofunctional evaluation may be helpful if your child has signs such as:
Why Tongue Posture Matters
The tongue should generally rest comfortably against the palate, with the lips closed and breathing occurring through the nose when possible. When the tongue rests low or pushes forward during swallowing, it may influence tooth position, arch development or orthodontic stability.
Myofunctional Therapy and Orthodontics
Myofunctional habits can affect orthodontic treatment and retention. When orthodontic care is involved, Rita Daghlian, DDS and Paul Sokolowski, DDS can work together to consider oral muscle function, bite development and long-term stability.
What Myofunctional Therapy May Include
Myofunctional therapy is customized to the child's needs and age, with exercises and guidance to support:
Tongue Posture
Proper tongue resting posture against the palate to support healthy oral and facial development.
Nasal Breathing
Nasal breathing habits when appropriate, working alongside airway-focused care.
Swallowing Patterns
Correct swallowing patterns and reduced tongue thrusting.
Orthodontic Stability
Better stability during or after orthodontic treatment by addressing habits that contribute to relapse.
Myofunctional Therapy With Rita Daghlian, DDS
Rita Daghlian, DDS, is a board-certified pediatric dentist focused on prevention-first care. Dr. Daghlian uses kid-friendly communication so children feel safe, encouraged and involved. Her approach to myofunctional therapy is thoughtful, developmental and focused on helping families understand how oral habits can affect breathing, growth and dental health.
Related Services
Depending on your child's needs, our pediatric dentist may discuss airway-focused pediatric dentistry, airway health, functional dentistry, orthodontics, expansion or pediatric preventive dentistry.
Myofunctional Therapy FAQs
Myofunctional therapy may help improve tongue posture, lip seal, swallowing patterns, mouth breathing habits and oral muscle function. It may also support orthodontic stability in some patients.
No. Myofunctional therapy can be helpful for children, teens and adults, depending on symptoms and goals. In pediatric care, it is often used to support healthy growth and oral development.
Yes. Tongue thrusting or low tongue posture may affect tooth position and long-term orthodontic stability. Rita Daghlian, DDS and Paul Sokolowski, DDS can coordinate care when orthodontic treatment is part of the plan.
Timing varies based on the child's age, habits, symptoms and consistency with exercises. Dr. Daghlian will explain the expected plan after an evaluation.