If your tongue could talk, it would tell you it affects far more than speech — from sleep quality and hormones to jaw development and restless kids. In this episode I interviewed Kristi Dobbs, a dental hygienist and myofunctional therapist from Roberts Integrative Dentistry, about how oral posture, nasal breathing, tongue-tie releases, and simple device and exercise-based therapies can transform sleep, behavior, pain, and overall health.

What myofunctional therapy is: muscle-focused therapy for the face, tongue, jaw, and soft palate (like physical therapy for the neck up).
Some modern lifestyle contributors to poor jaw development: softer diets, early solids/formula, early tooth removal and braces timing.
Common signs linked to oral function problems: narrow palate, long face, gummy smile, mouth-breathing, snoring, TMJ, speech issues, picky eating, digestive problems, plantar fasciitis.
The four pillars of myofunctional therapy: nasal breathing, lip seal, correct tongue posture, and proper swallowing.
Device options: MyoMunchie (from ~6 months), Myobrace, Myo nozzle/Remplenish, and Invisalign palatal expansion when needed.
Tongue-tie approach: pre- and post- myofunctional therapy plus a laser release and suturing to optimize outcomes and retrain function.
Timing and commitment: therapy typically runs 12 sessions over ~6 months; results improve with ongoing maintenance exercises but require occasional practice to retain gains.
Integration with other therapies: best results come when myofunctional therapy is combined with ENT, SLP, chiropractic, massage/lymphatic work, orthodontics, and other integrative providers.
Virtual options: evaluations and much of the therapy can be done via telehealth; surgical procedures require an in-person provider.

Contact Kristi Dobbs and Roberts Integrative Dentistry:

Myofunctional Therapy Info: https://robertsintegrativedentistry.com/oral-myofunctional-therapy/

Roberts Integrative Dentistry Phone and Email: (417) 246-3029 and office@robertsintegrativedentistry.com

Myofunctional Therapy can be performed virtually.

Signs and symptoms of disordered breathing: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/FMfcgzQfBkQwSbXXmnqckwjRmgSCfkTp?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

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