Treatment Near YouUnderstanding Myofunctional Therapy
Your tongue, lips, and facial muscles all play an important role in everyday functions like breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
When these muscles aren't functioning as they should, they can affect your oral health and overall well-being.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) occur when the muscles of the face and mouth develop improper movement patterns or resting positions.
These issues may be related to airway obstructions, structural differences, or habits that affect how the tongue, lips, and jaw function.
Myofunctional therapy uses targeted exercises to help improve muscle function, tongue positioning, and oral habits.
At our clinic, Carla Leith, a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 15 years of experience, works with patients to understand their concerns and develop individualized therapy plans that support healthier oral function.
Carla Leith, MyoFunctional Therapist
Carla’s journey in dentistry began in 2005 when she completed a Dental Assisting program in London, Ontario, before continuing her education in Dental Hygiene in Burlington, Ontario. Since graduating in 2008, Carla has been practicing as a Registered Dental Hygienist at Dawson Dental in Hanover, Ontario, where she has spent more than 15 years building meaningful relationships with patients and families.
As a lifelong learner, Carla is committed to continually expanding her knowledge and staying current with advances in healthcare. She has a particular interest in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and looks forward to incorporating this knowledge into her patient care.
Carla believes every patient is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. She enjoys working alongside patients and families to understand their concerns, develop individualized care plans, and help them achieve lasting improvements in function and overall wellness.
Outside the clinic, Carla is a busy mom of four young children. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and exploring new places. Her experiences as both a healthcare professional and a parent have given her a deep appreciation for the challenges families face, allowing her to bring patience, empathy, and practical guidance to the care she provides.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Your myofunctional therapy journey begins with an assessment at our dental office. During this appointment, Carla Leith will evaluate your oral muscle function, discuss any concerns you may have, and identify areas that could benefit from therapy.
Depending on your needs, treatment may focus on encouraging proper tongue and lip posture, improving nasal breathing habits, or addressing behaviours such as thumb sucking.
An important part of myofunctional therapy is practicing what you learn outside the dental office. Carla will guide you through exercises that you can complete at home to help strengthen your oral muscles, improve coordination, and gradually establish healthier movement patterns.
With consistent practice, these exercises can help you become more aware of how your tongue and facial muscles function throughout the day.
Signs of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Your registered dental hygienist can help identify the common symptoms of OMDs. These include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Tongue thrusting
- Teeth-grinding
- Facial pain
- Speech problems
- Mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea
- Stomachaches
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our Hanover clinic to book an appointment with Carla.