Top 5 Signs Your Child Needs Orofacial Therapy

And How a Speech Language Pathologist Can Help

Discover key signs of orofacial dysfunction in children, why early intervention matters, and how specialized speech therapy can improve feeding, speech, and overall development.

As a parent, nothing matters more than your child’s health and development — especially when it comes to breathing, sleep and dentofacial development. But sometimes, subtle challenges can go unnoticed or be misunderstood. That’s where orofacial therapy and the expertise of a speech language pathologist (SLP) come in.

If you’re wondering, “Is my child showing signs of orofacial dysfunction?” or “When should I seek professional help?” — you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the top signs that could indicate your child might benefit from orofacial therapy, and why acting early can make all the difference.

1. Early Feeding Difficulties

Has your baby struggled with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding? Maybe they have a weak latch, make clicking noises while feeding, or seem to tire quickly. These can be signs of oral restrictions like tongue-tie, which limit proper tongue movement.

Why does this matter? Feeding isn’t just about nutrition — it’s how your baby bonds, grows, and thrives. Addressing feeding struggles early with an SLP trained in orofacial therapy can improve feeding success, comfort, and even reduce the risk of future health implications. 

2. Speech That Is Unclear

Is your child having trouble pronouncing sounds or isn’t hitting typical speech milestones? Restricted tongue or lip movement can make it hard to form words clearly, impacting confidence and social interactions.

A speech language pathologist with orofacial expertise looks beyond sounds to assess how muscles function. With the right therapy, your child can build clearer speech and stronger social skills — setting them up for success in school and life.

3. Mouth Breathing or Difficulty Maintaining Oral Posture

Do you notice your child often breathing through their mouth, drooling, or struggling to keep their lips closed comfortably? These signs might indicate muscle imbalances or oral habits that can affect dental health, sleep quality, and even facial growth.

Orofacial therapy targets these muscle patterns, encouraging healthier habits that support overall well-being. Early intervention can prevent complications down the road and improve your child’s comfort.

4. Challenges With Chewing or Swallowing

Is mealtime a challenge? Does your child gag, avoid certain foods, or take a long time chewing? These could be signs of feeding and orofacial myofunctional disorders affecting safe, effective eating.

Therapy can help your child develop the muscle control and coordination needed to chew and swallow comfortably, improving nutrition and reducing mealtime stress for the whole family.

5. Sleep Struggles: Tossing, Turning, and Waking Up Tired

If your child snores, grinds their teeth, tosses and turns, or still seems tired after a full night’s sleep, it may be more than just restlessness. These signs can point to disrupted breathing patterns during sleep — often linked to orofacial muscle function and airway development.

An evaluation by a provider trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy can help uncover the root cause and provide supportive strategies to promote better sleep and healthier breathing.

Why Act Early? The Power of Timely Orofacial Therapy

When orofacial dysfunction goes unrecognized or untreated, it can impact many areas — feeding, speech, breathing, dental health, and even self-esteem. The good news? Early assessment and intervention dramatically improve outcomes.

A speech language pathologist trained in orofacial therapy provides a holistic, individualized approach. They don’t just “fix” speech sounds; they address the root causes—muscle function, oral restrictions, and habits—that impact your child’s development.

What Can You Do Today?

• Observe: Watch your child during feeding, speaking, and everyday activities for any of the signs above.

• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to bring up your concerns with your pediatrician or dentist.

• Seek evaluation: Ask for a referral to a speech language pathologist who specializes in orofacial therapy.

• Get support: Early therapy can make a meaningful difference — for your child’s confidence, health, and quality of life.
  

Remember, you’re your child’s best advocate. Recognizing these signs and taking action can change their path for the better.

FAQs About Orofacial Therapy and Speech Language Pathology

What is orofacial therapy? It’s specialized therapy focused on improving the function of the mouth, tongue, lips, and related muscles — supporting feeding, speech, breathing, and oral habits.

How does it differ from regular speech therapy? While speech therapy often focuses on sounds and language, orofacial therapy addresses the underlying muscle function and oral restrictions that can impact speech and feeding.

Is tongue-tie always treated with surgery? Not always. Orofacial therapy can sometimes improve function without surgery, or work alongside surgical intervention for the best outcome.

When should I get help for my child? If you notice feeding struggles, speech delays, or oral posture issues, earlier is better. Getting an evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Ready to Learn More?

At Chrysalis Orofacial®, we’re dedicated to helping families and professionals understand and support orofacial health. Interested in specialized training for professionals? Explore our TOTS Training® and The STONES Approach.

For families, visit our Services Page to see how we can help your child thrive.

Your child’s developmental journey is unique — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Early recognition and expert care can open doors to clearer speech, easier feeding, and brighter days ahead.