Children's speech therapy
Tongue thrust and myofunctional therapy
The way the tongue rests and moves affects speech, swallowing, and even dental work. When the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth, it can shape certain sounds and habits over time. Myofunctional therapy gently retrains those patterns so speech and swallowing work more smoothly.
What you might notice
- Tongue pushes forward when swallowing or at rest
- A lisp or trouble with sounds like s and z
- Mouth often hangs open, or breathing is mostly through the mouth
- Tongue sits low or forward against the teeth
- A dentist or orthodontist mentioned tongue thrust
How we help
We evaluate how your child's tongue rests, swallows, and shapes sounds, then build a plan to retrain those muscles and habits. Terri sets the plan and Allee delivers the sessions under her supervision. We often coordinate with your dentist or orthodontist so everyone is working toward the same goal.
What a session looks like
Sessions use targeted exercises and speech practice that build new tongue habits step by step. The routines are simple, and we send home short daily practice, since consistency is what makes these patterns stick.
Myofunctional therapy is usually best suited to children old enough to follow and practice the exercises, and we will help you know if the timing is right.
Ready when you are
There is no waitlist, so you can start soon. Reach out and we will respond the same day or the next business day to find a time that works for you.
Not sure where to start? The 15-minute call is free and there is no pressure. You can also call or text (479) 310-5174.
Common questions
How is tongue thrust connected to speech?+
When the tongue habitually pushes forward, it can distort sounds like s and z and create a lisp. Retraining the tongue's resting and swallowing patterns often helps those sounds clear up.
Does this work with orthodontic treatment?+
It often does. Tongue habits can affect dental alignment, so we are glad to coordinate with your dentist or orthodontist so your child's treatment holds.
How long does myofunctional therapy take?+
It varies, but because we are building new muscle habits, steady home practice over several months is usually part of the picture.