Midwest Myofunctional Specialists

03/14/2026

Chronic mouth breathing can impact oral development, sleep quality, and overall health if it becomes a long-term habit.

03/11/2026

When nasal passages become congested due to allergies, the body naturally switches to breathing through the mouth. While this may seem harmless in the moment, chronic mouth breathing can impact oral development, sleep quality, and overall health if it becomes a long-term habit.

03/11/2026

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming trees, and more time outdoors—but for many children and adults, it also means the return of seasonal allergies. Read more about seasonal allergies and mouth breathing in our newsletter: https://www.midwestmyofunctional.com/.../spring-allergies...

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Tongue thrust doesn’t correct itself—but orofacial myofunctional therapy can help.

03/04/2026

Over time, that constant force can contribute to open bites, spacing, and even orthodontic relapse.

02/27/2026

Love this kid-friendly explanation of the impact of thumb sucking on mouth development!

02/26/2026

If you’ve noticed signs like mouth breathing, messy swallowing, or unclear speech, a myofunctional evaluation can help identify the root cause and create a plan for lasting change.

02/24/2026

By improving tongue mobility, strength, and coordination, orofacial myofunctional therapy supports proper swallowing, clearer speech, and healthy nasal breathing—whether as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with a frenectomy. The goal isn’t just release—it’s restoring function.

Ankyloglossia has long been described as simply a “tight frenulum.” That definition is incomplete.

In our 2025 publication, we define ankyloglossia as restricted tongue mobility caused by tethered oral tissues that contributes to broader orofacial myofunctional dysfunction.

This shift matters.

Tongue restriction is not just structural. It interacts with breathing, swallowing, speech, craniofacial growth, posture, and neuromuscular compensation. When we define the condition correctly, we diagnose and treat it more precisely.

Our updated definition reflects a whole-system, airway-centered model grounded in functional assessment, therapy integration, and refined surgical technique when indicated.

Read the full study to understand how this evolution changes clinical care.

https://www.mdpi.com/2694-2526/51/2/11

TheBreatheInstitute.com | ZaghiMD.com

02/20/2026

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are incredibly common in infancy and early childhood—and for good reason. These habits can be soothing, regulating, and developmentally appropriate in the early years. However, when these habits continue beyond the typical developmental window, they can begin to impact how the mouth, face, and airway grow. Read more: https://www.midwestmyofunctional.com/post/thumb-sucking-pacifiers-how-prolonged-use-impacts-orofacial-development

02/18/2026

Tongue thrust is a habit where the tongue pushes against the back of the teeth. Over time, it can lead to a variety of issues including speech disorders and swallowing difficulty.

02/18/2026

Do any of these signs sound familiar? We can help!