Frequently Asked Questions

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 Alternatives include:

• Oral Appliances like mandibular advancement devices which adjust the position of your jaw to keep your airway open.
• Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, positional therapy (sleeping on your side), and avoiding alcohol or smoking.
• Surgery for those with anatomical issues contributing to airway obstruction.
• Inspire Therapy, an implantable device that stimulates the nerve controlling tongue movement.
• Myofunctional Therapy, which can strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat to help maintain an open airway.

The evaluation and treatment of ANY medical condition can be affected by a healthcare professionals interests and specialty training. Simply put, if your doctor recommends CPAP for most of their patient's, then that is what they will most likely recommend for you. There are doctors with special training in the evaluation of sleep disordered breathing and alternatives to CPAP. It may be helpful to obtain a second or third opinion as evaluation and treatment options vary between healthcare professionals

Myofunctional therapy involves exercises to improve the strength, movement, and coordination of the muscles in your face, mouth, and throat. For adults with sleep apnea, these exercises can help reposition the tongue to reduce airway obstruction, potentially decreasing apnea episodes without the need for CPAP machines.

While myofunctional therapy might not completely replace CPAP or surgical options for everyone, it can be an effective complementary treatment. It aims to address the muscular causes of airway obstruction, potentially reducing the severity of sleep apnea or the necessity for more invasive treatments.

The timeline varies depending on individual cases, but many patients begin to notice improvements in sleep quality within a few weeks to months. Consistent practice of the exercises is crucial for long-term benefits.

Exercises might include tongue push-ups against the palate to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway, nasal breathing techniques to promote nasal breathing, and lip seal exercises to ensure proper oral posture. Each session is tailored to address specific issues you might have. 

Unfortunately, giving "blanket" exercises without doing a thorough evaluation is ineffective and unprofessional. e.g. Your physical therapist doesn't have you do an "informal" exam and leg exercises before recommending to fully evaluate your lower back. They always recommend an evaluation before making any specific recommendations.

Look for signs like snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting, daytime fatigue, or behavioral issues which could indicate sleep-disordered breathing. A thorough assessment can confirm if myofunctional therapy is appropriate.

As a Speech Therapist, I can tell you that improper oral muscle function can affect speech clarity. Myofunctional therapy not only helps to improve sleep quality, but also improves speech sound production by promoting proper tongue, lip, and jaw positioning.

Medical experts highlight the numerous advantages of nasal breathing compared to mouth breathing. Our bodies are designed to process inhaled air differently through the nose versus the mouth. This distinction plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and safety. When you inhale through your nose, it performs several essential functions: 

• Temperature Control: The nasal passages warm or cool the air to an optimal temperature suitable for your lungs, a function that is absent in mouth breathing.
• Toxin Filtering: The cilia in your nose filter out toxins and debris, preventing them from reaching your lungs. In contrast, mouth breathing allows unfiltered air directly into      your lungs.
• Humidity Regulation: The nasal passages humidify the air, reducing the risk of dry mouth or sore throat, a benefit not provided by mouth breathing.
• Smell Detection: The nose is far more effective in detecting harmful substances in the air or food than the mouth.
• Nitric Oxide: Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in the paranasal sinuses when breathing through our nose. This important chemical helps to dilate (open) the lungs and blood vessels. NO in our body helps to improve blood flow, oxygenation, and lower blood pressure.

Mouth breathing is only necessary during intense exercise or when nasal congestion occurs due to colds or allergies.

However, prolonged mouth breathing can lead to health complications, such as:

1. Dry Mouth: This condition alters the natural bacteria in your mouth, potentially leading to gum disease or tooth decay.
2. Physical Changes: Children who consistently breathe through their mouth may experience developmental changes, including an elongated face, droopy eyes, dark spots under the eyes, narrow nostrils, difficulty sealing lips, dry lips, a narrowed upper      lip, and a forward open bite
3. Mental and Emotional Health: The physical effects of mouth breathing, such as sleep disruption and changes in facial appearance, can have a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being. People who suffer from chronic mouth breathing may experience increased anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life.
4. Sleep Quality and Fatigue: Mouth breathing is often associated with snoring and sleep apnea, conditions that can significantly disrupt sleep. Poor sleep quality can      lead to daytime fatigue, decreased concentration, and impaired cognitive function.
5. Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections: Air inhaled through the mouth is not warmed or filtered like air inhaled through the nose. This can make the airways more susceptible to irritation and infection.
6. Increased Risk of Chronic Conditions: Some studies have found associations between chronic mouth breathing and an increased risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. This is likely due to the relationship between mouth breathing, sleep quality, and overall systemic inflammation.

In conclusion, the benefits of nasal breathing far outweigh those of mouth breathing, making it the preferred method for most situations. 

Snoring is often dismissed as a mere nuisance, but it is a loud and clear signal of potential health problems. Snoring, a form of mouth breathing, is linked to several health issues that can significantly impact your well-being. Let's look into some of the evidence from diverse research institutions that shed light on why snoring is bad for your health.

 
1. Snoring and Cardiovascular Health

A study by Harvard Health revealed that snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The research indicated that people with sleep apnea were more likely to have hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. Snoring is not just a noise issue; it's a warning sign of a potentially life-threatening condition (Harvard Health, 2018).

2. Snoring and Brain Health

Snoring has been linked to brain damage and early dementia. A study by the New York Post highlighted that snoring can lead to oxygen deprivation in the brain, which over time can result in changes in the brain's white matter. These changes are associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia (New York Post, 2023).

3. Snoring and Sleep Quality

Snoring disrupts sleep, not only for the snorer but also for their bed partner. A study by BioSmartScience emphasized that snoring directly correlates with many illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and Alzheimer's disease, all of which are exacerbated by poor sleep quality. Additionally, the research pointed out that snoring can lead to heightened stress levels, further deteriorating overall health (BioSmartScience, 2013).

4. Snoring and Mental Health

A study by the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) found that snoring affects a significant portion of the population, with one-third of people experiencing it regularly. The study also noted that most sufferers are unaware of their condition, which can lead to significant health issues over time. Snoring has been linked to daytime sleepiness and decreased mental health, including depression and anxiety (WorldAndScience, 2024).

In conclusion, snoring, a seemingly innocuous habit, is a significant health concern that can lead to a multitude of health problems. From cardiovascular disease to cognitive decline, snoring can impact nearly every aspect of your health. Therefore, it's vital to take snoring seriously and seek medical advice if it's a regular occurrence.

1. Harvard Health. (2018). Snoring and Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/
2. New York Post. (2023). Snoring linked to brain damage and early dementia. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/
3. BioSmartScience. (2013). Snoring and its effects on health. Retrieved from https://www.biosciencenews.com/
4. WorldAndScience. (2024). Snoring and mental health. Retrieved from https://worldandscience.org/
5. American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000.

Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids can be caused by many factors. Exposure to viruses, bacteria, fungal, parasitic infections, allergies, and cigarette smoke all may contribute to inflammation of the tissues in the airway. A mouth breathing habit, the introduction of unfiltered and dry air may also contribute to inflammation. Inflammation causes airway narrowing which impacts a person's ability to breathe properly. Recurrent inflammation, tonsils/adenoids "growing back", and frequent and recurrent sickness may indicate a medical intervention is necessary. Simply "removing" the inflamed tissues may help short-term, but does not address the underlying behavior or issues that are contributing to inflammation. 

For many people, breathing therapy, oral motor therapy, and the consultation with an airway-centered dentist to discuss other treatment options may be helpful for long-term recovery. Some patients are able to avoid surgery by simply addressing habits. 

Several treatment options are available and proven to help reduce adenoid and tonsillar inflammation including: 

• Maxillary palatal expansion
• Breathing retraining (to decrease mouth breathing habit)
• Nasal hygiene regimen
• Allergy testing
• Frequent cleaning of sheets/pillows
• Use of an air purifier
• Surgery with an ENT

Start with an individualized consultation with Mr. Myo! Please bring all relevant testing and medical information to your consultation. This will ensure that we are able to get to the "root cause" of your breathing problems and will help us to give you specific instructions about how to change your breathing habits.

We should first discuss your symptoms by setting you up with a personalized consultation. We will talk about any symptoms you may have in your sleep, breathing, orofacial muscles and structures, speech, swallowing, digestion, posture, etc. Then we will do an in-person functional assessment of your tethered oral tissues (TOTs) and discuss how they may be contributing to your symptoms. We would also discuss what referrals to other healthcare providers you should consider, and whether treatment or surgical intervention is appropriate. 

Mr. Myo is UNABLE to accept insurance for virtual consultations or virtual therapy. 

Insurance companies are third parties that often limit treatment options and service accessibility. Private pay is the ideal payment option because it does not limit Mr. Myo's ability to recommend appropriate referrals, necessary evaluations, and treatment options in order to treat your health concerns.

Mr. Myo is ABLE to accept insurance for in-person evaluations (Delaware ONLY): speech therapy / feeding / swallowing therapy sessions. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. 

Please be aware that some, and perhaps all, of the services provided by Mr. Myo may be non-covered services and not considered reasonable, customary and/or medically necessary under your medical insurance plan. You may seek reimbursement for these services directly from your insurance company.