01/06/2026
Swallowing correctly & myofunctional therapy
Most people swallow over 1,000 times a day.
And every swallow involves the tongue, lips, cheeks, jaw, and airway.
A healthy swallow pattern usually looks like:
* Tongue resting on the palate
* Lips gently closed
* Minimal facial tension
* Teeth lightly together or slightly apart
* Nasal breathing
But many children — and adults — develop dysfunctional swallowing patterns, often linked to:
* Mouth breathing
* Tongue tie
* Low tongue posture
* Prolonged dummy/thumb habits
* Narrow palate development
* Poor oral muscle coordination
Common signs of an incorrect swallow:
* Tongue pushing against the teeth (“tongue thrust”)
* Lip pursing or chin tension when swallowing
* Open-mouth posture
* Messy eating
* Food pocketing in cheeks
* Speech difficulties
* Orthodontic relapse
* Crowding or bite issues
Why does it matter?
The tongue is a powerful muscle.
When it repeatedly pushes against the teeth instead of the palate, it can influence facial growth, bite development, breathing patterns, and long-term oral function.
Myofunctional therapy helps retrain:
* Tongue posture
* Swallowing mechanics
* Lip seal
* Nasal breathing
* Chewing patterns
* Oral muscle coordination
It’s not just “tongue exercises.”
It’s a personalised therapy that addresses the function behind the face, bite, and airway.
Because swallowing correctly is something your body does thousands of times a day — every single day.
Video credit to thank you for permission
📩 Contact Julie at: [email protected]
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