When most people think about better sleep, they rarely consider their oral health. But the truth is, how your mouth, jaw, and tongue function profoundly impacts your breathing patterns and ultimately, the quality of your sleep. At Admira Dentistry, Dr. Julio Sixto and his expert team understand that the path to wellness begins with function. That’s why we offer myofunctional therapy in Jacksonville as a noninvasive, highly effective solution for patients struggling with snoring, sleep disturbances, and breathing difficulties.
Let’s take a closer look at how this simple, yet powerful treatment can help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Understanding Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to train the muscles of your face, mouth, and tongue to work in harmony. These movements may be subtle, but their impact is significant. When practiced regularly, this therapy helps retrain oral habits like mouth breathing or poor tongue posture that can negatively influence the airway and disrupt sleep.
Myofunctional therapy can help improve:
- Tongue posture and nasal breathing
- Airway function and airflow during sleep
- Jaw alignment and chewing mechanics
- Long-term oral development in children
Most therapy programs last about 12 months, with exercises performed twice daily for five to ten minutes. Over time, these simple routines help guide the muscles toward healthy, natural function.
For adults, it can be a transformative solution that alleviates chronic snoring or symptoms of sleep apnea. For children, it can correct developmental issues early and prevent long-term complications like orthodontic problems or speech delays.
Mouth vs. Nose: Why the Difference Matters
Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but it can negatively affect your sleep and overall health. Nasal breathing allows your body to filter, humidify, and regulate the air you inhale. In contrast, breathing through the mouth bypasses this natural system, overworks the adenoids and tonsils, and can contribute to airway restriction.
Over time, this can lead to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and structural changes in the jaw or face. Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal breathing and better tongue posture—key elements for reducing snoring and supporting restful, uninterrupted sleep.
How Your Oral Habits Affect the Way You Sleep
Many of the guests who come to Admira Dentistry are surprised to learn how closely connected their oral habits are to their sleep quality. A low tongue posture (when the tongue rests on the floor of the mouth instead of the palate), narrow palate, or improper swallowing mechanics can restrict airflow and put strain on the jaw and neck.
Symptoms often go beyond snoring and may include:
- Morning headaches
- Brain fog or lack of focus
- High blood pressure
- Jaw pain or clicking (often associated with TMD)
- Facial pain or tension
By retraining the oral muscles, myofunctional therapy supports proper alignment and function, helping you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and clear-headed.
Ready to Sleep Through the Night Again?
This simple therapy offers powerful, long-term benefits. By supporting correct oral posture, promoting nasal breathing, and reducing airway resistance, myofunctional therapy can transform the way you sleep and feel every day.
If you're ready to wake up rested, energized, and free from snoring, reach out to Admira Dentistry today. Our team is here to help you rediscover the balance between beauty, health, and total wellness, starting with a better night’s sleep.