Effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Improving Orofacial Function and Oral Habits: A Scoping Review

Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene

Stefani, C. M., de Almeida de Lima, A., et al. (2025).

Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, 59(1), 59-72.

<div>This scoping review explores the effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy impacting the function of orofacial soft tissue structures and oral habits.&nbsp;</div>

Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada

From database inception to May 16, 2023

<div>Reviews, guidelines, intervention studies excluding case series of fewer that 10 participants, case reports, and preclinical studies</div>

58

<div>While positive results were reported following orofacial myofunctional therapy in 86% of included primary studies, there was insufficient high-level evidence to confirm the effectiveness of this intervention when used to treat:</div> <div> <ul> <li>ankyloglossia (Inconclusive to Plausible);</li> <li>atypical swallowing (i.e., tongue thrust; Inconclusive to Plausible);</li> <li>lip incompetence (Plausible);</li> <li>actual or habitual mouth breathing (Plausible);</li> <li>non-nutritive sucking habit (i.e., pacifier use, thumb sucking (Plausible);&nbsp;</li> <li>low tongue position at rest (Inconclusive); and&nbsp;</li> <li>combined OMDs impacting orofacial soft tissue structures and oral habits (Plausible).&nbsp;</li> </ul> <div>The authors of this review suggest that "[a]pparently, in some scenarios, OMT produces clinical noticeable changes. However, insufficient high-level evidence exists to confirm OMT&rsquo;s effectiveness" (p. 70).&nbsp;<br><br></div> <div>Limitations to these findings include low quality evidence, heterogeneity between studies, small sample sizes, and an overall lack of long-term follow-up.&nbsp;</div> </div>