Welcome to Stonebrook Pediatric Dentistry! We specialize in providing quality dental care for children, focusing on preventive and restorative procedures. Our goal is to help kids maintain healthy and beautiful smiles, which is why we offer a wide range of treatment options, including Frisco pediatric myofunctional therapy.
You may have heard the term “myofunctional therapy” before, but what exactly does it mean? In simple terms, it refers to exercises and techniques designed to improve the function of the muscles in the mouth and face. This type of therapy can benefit both children and adults, but today, we’re going to focus on how it can benefit your little ones.
Please schedule a consultation today for your child!
The Importance of Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy For Children
Before we discuss the specifics of pediatric myofunctional therapy, let’s first understand why proper muscle function in children’s mouths is essential. The muscles in our mouths play a crucial role in our oral health and development. They help us chew and swallow food, speak properly, and maintain facial structure. When these muscles aren’t functioning as they should, it can lead to various issues.
One common issue that can arise from improper muscle function is crooked teeth or malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth.) This happens when the tongue doesn’t rest in its natural position against the roof of the mouth, which can cause the upper jaw not to grow as it should. As a result, there may need to be more room for all teeth to align, leading to overcrowding and crookedness.
So, how does pediatric myofunctional therapy help prevent these issues? It works by retraining and strengthening the muscles in the mouth, helping them function as they should. This can involve exercises such as tongue and lip movements, breathing techniques, and swallowing patterns. Correcting any dysfunction in these muscles at an early age can prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.
What Sets Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy Apart?
What sets pediatric myofunctional therapy apart from other forms of treatment is that it also addresses habits that can contribute to improper muscle function. These habits include thumb or finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or mouth breathing. Not only do these habits affect the muscles in the mouth, but they can also impact facial development and even speech.
We can recommend customized treatment plans for each child. By combining exercises and habit correction, we can help children achieve optimal muscle function and prevent future dental issues.
In addition to preventing crooked teeth, pediatric myofunctional therapy can also improve overall oral health. Strengthening the muscles in the mouth can reduce the risk of decay and gum disease by promoting proper chewing and saliva production. It can also improve breathing patterns, which has been linked to better sleep quality and overall health.
The Benefits
One of the most essential benefits of pediatric myofunctional therapy is its impact on a child’s self-esteem. Crooked teeth or difficulty speaking can take a toll on a child’s confidence, and early intervention through this type of therapy can prevent these issues from developing in the first place.
So when should your child start myofunctional therapy? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children be screened for improper muscle function by age 3. However, if you notice any warning signs, such as thumb sucking or speech difficulties, it may be beneficial to seek treatment earlier.
Frisco Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy
In closing, pediatric myofunctional therapy is valuable in promoting healthy smiles for kids. It prevents dental issues and improves overall oral health and self-confidence. If you’re interested in this treatment option, don’t hesitate to contact us at Stonebrook Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Abhishek Bhaumik and Dr. Liny John would happily answer any questions. Investing in your child’s oral health now can prevent potential problems and costly treatments in the future. So, let’s work together to give them the best possible start for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our team proudly offers comprehensive pediatric dentistry services in Frisco, Texas. Look to us for all your pediatric dentistry needs, including everything from infant dental visits to emergency dentistry.
