Charm Myofunctional Therapy, 222 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie, ON (2026)

01/07/2026

Snoring, grinding, and mouth breathing have become all too common. I encounter individuals every day who have accepted these issues as part of their daily lives, often unaware of the potential underlying causes and the detrimental effects they can have on overall health.

Let’s dissect this misconception: just because something is prevalent doesn’t mean it’s normal. Snoring, for example, is often brushed off as a harmless annoyance, yet it can be a red flag signaling underlying breathing disorders or obstructive sleep apnea. Similarly, teeth grinding, or bruxism, is frequently dismissed as stress-related, but it can also be a symptom of improper tongue posture and airway issues.

Consider the impact on dental health: crowded teeth and orthodontic relapse are not solely a matter of genetics or aging. Untreated airway or breathing disorders can play a significant role in these dental issues. When the tongue rests at the bottom of the mouth and nasal breathing is compromised, the body compensates by mouth breathing, leading to a cascade of problems including snoring, grinding, and even orthodontic issues.

So, what’s the solution? It lies in addressing the root cause. By improving tongue posture, ensuring proper lip seal, and promoting nasal breathing, we can retrain the oral muscles and restore balance to the airway. Myofunctional therapy offers a non-invasive approach to correcting these habits, ultimately leading to better sleep quality and fewer disruptions.

Let’s break free from the misconception that common equals normal. Together, we can embrace healthier habits, optimize breathing patterns, and unlock a pathway to improved overall health and well-being.

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01/02/2026

Retract your cheeks back with your fingers, smile and swallow. Was this easy? Did your lips or cheek muscles try to assist with the swallow? Did you see saliva pool at your lower front teeth or did you see your tongue push on or through your teeth? This is a sign that you may have a dysfunctional swallow requiring you to use extra muscles and/or your teeth to brace your swallow.

A dysfunctional swallow refers to an improper swallowing pattern where the tongue presses against or between the teeth instead of the roof of the mouth. This can result in a habit known as tongue thrust, where the tongue habitually moves forward during swallowing or even when at rest. This can cause an open bite (a gap between the upper and lower teeth) or orthodontic relapse, as well as increased jaw and facial muscle tension.

Myofunctional Therapy Goals:

1. Correcting Tongue Posture: Exercises teach the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth, normalizing swallowing patterns.
2. Strengthening Oral Muscles: Strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing improves coordination and reduces tongue thrust.
3. Habit Modification: Patients learn to modify habits, promoting proper tongue placement and reducing pressure on teeth.
4. Proper Swallowing Technique: Exercises help develop a correct swallowing technique, with the tongue moving up against the palate.

By addressing dysfunctional swallowing and tongue thrust habits, myofunctional therapy can prevent or improve open bites, reduce orthodontic relapse, and alleviate jaw and facial tension.

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12/28/2025

Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth can boost your cardio and athletic performance. You don’t have to breathe through your mouth when exerting yourself.

It filters and humidifies air, increases nitric oxide for better oxygen uptake, promotes efficient diaphragmatic breathing, and regulates your breathing pace. Nasal breathing also enhances CO2 tolerance and reduces stress, leading to improved endurance and faster recovery.

By optimizing oxygen delivery and maintaining a steady heart rate, nasal breathing helps you last longer during intense physical exertion.

Additionally, myofunctional therapy can improve your oral rest posture and nasal breathing, further enhancing these benefits. Give nasal breathing during exercise a try and let me know how you feel after!
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12/23/2025

Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is measured through a sleep study. But what is AHI? The apnea-hypopnea index measures the number of apnea (complete pauses in breathing) and hypopnea (partial reductions in breathing) events per hour of sleep. A higher AHI indicates more frequent disruptions, which can severely impact sleep quality and overall health. Myofunctional therapy strengthens the muscles of the mouth and throat, helping to maintain open airways during sleep and significantly reducing these disruptive events.

Ask your family doctor for a sleep study referral and send me a message to book your initial assessment!

If you or your child are struggling with sleep apnea, myofunctional therapy could be a game-changer! 💪🛌

12/21/2025

Many adults live with untreated and undiagnosed tongue ties, experiencing various symptoms that impact daily life. Here are some signs that you might have a tongue tie:

1. Tension and Discomfort

Adults with tongue tie often experience chronic tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. The restricted movement of the tongue can cause strain on these muscles, leading to discomfort and even pain over time.

2. Difficulty Swallowing and Choking

A tight frenulum can make swallowing difficult and inefficient. Many adults with tongue tie report frequent choking or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.

3. Speech Difficulties

Clear speech requires a full range of tongue movements. Adults with tongue tie may struggle with tired enunciation, especially after prolonged talking. This can manifest as mumbling, slurring, or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.

4. Dental Issues

The inability to properly clean the mouth can lead to dental problems. Tongue tie can contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, and misalignment of the teeth.

5. Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Restricted tongue movement can affect the airway, potentially leading to sleep apnea or increased snoring. This occurs because the tongue may fall back and obstruct the airway during sleep, disrupting normal breathing patterns.

6. Digestive Problems

Inefficient chewing and swallowing can lead to digestive issues. People with tongue tie might swallow air or eat larger pieces of food, causing bloating, gas, or discomfort after meals.

Not all tongue ties need to be released. Sometimes myofunctional therapy on its own is more than enough! Send me a message to start with an assessment to see if you may benefit! A dentist will diagnose a tongue tie and it should only be released if necessary AFTER beginning myofunctional therapy.
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12/18/2025

Understanding that snoring is common but not normal is crucial for recognizing underlying health issues and seeking appropriate treatment. Snoring often indicates obstructed airflow during sleep, which can be a symptom of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Myofunctional therapy involves exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the tongue, throat, and mouth. These exercises can help reduce snoring by improving muscle tone and function, which supports better airway stability during sleep:

1. Strengthening Airway Muscles: Myofunctional therapy targets the muscles that play a critical role in keeping the airway open. Strengthened muscles are less likely to collapse during sleep, thereby reducing snoring.
2. Improving Breathing Patterns: This therapy promotes nasal breathing and proper tongue posture, both of which are essential for maintaining an open airway and reducing the vibrations that cause snoring.
3. Addressing Root Causes: Unlike some treatments that merely manage symptoms, myofunctional therapy addresses the root causes of snoring by correcting dysfunctional muscle patterns and habits.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy in Snoring and Sleep Quality:

• Reduction in Snoring: Consistent practice of myofunctional exercises can lead to a reduction in the

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12/13/2025

Did you know that the way you breathe can transform your health? Nasal and diaphragmatic breathing can help you perform better and sleep deeper!

Enhanced Oxygenation: Breathing through your nose and from your belly (diaphragmatic breathing) helps deliver more oxygen to your cells, improving overall energy and endurance. This can be a game-changer for athletes and anyone looking to boost their physical performance.

Deeper Sleep: Nasal breathing promotes better sleep quality by ensuring a steady oxygen flow and reducing sleep-disruptive mouth breathing. Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!

Better Living: Proper breathing techniques support your body’s natural functions, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity. It’s a simple yet profound way to enhance your well-being every day.

Take a moment today to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise, and exhale fully. Feel the difference and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life!

12/10/2025

The roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose! A wide palate is important for a wide airway. A narrow and crowded jaw is common, not normal. Unfortunately the root cause to the problem is often missed. This results in orthodontic relapse, improper tongue posture, an imbalance in facial muscles, mouth breathing, poor sleep quality, etc.

The photo on the left is an example of a palatal expander. The photo on the right is an example of someone who had premolars removed instead of an expander resulting in an even smaller upper jaw and narrow palate.

1️⃣ Palatal Expanders: These nifty devices gently widen the upper jaw, creating more room for teeth to find their perfect alignment.
2️⃣ Myofunctional Therapy: It targets improper habits, tongue posture, and swallowing patterns. By promoting harmony in muscle function, it becomes the perfect sidekick to your orthodontic journey!

Why the Partnership?

It’s not just about straight teeth; it’s about balanced muscles, proper breathing, and a smile that stands the test of time! ⏳

Targeting the Root Cause: Myofunctional therapy addresses underlying muscle issues, preventing relapse and enhancing the stability of orthodontic results achieved with expanders. It’s like the secret ingredient for a lasting transformation! 🌟

Knowledge is Power: Understanding how these treatments work hand-in-hand empowers you to make informed decisions about your oral health. Knowledge is key, and a healthy, radiant smile is the ultimate reward!

Curious or have questions? Drop them below or send me a message!

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12/07/2025

Many of you may be navigating parenthood, and sometimes, unexpected challenges arise.

🤔 Why might your baby have a lip or tongue tie?

Here are some key signs to look out for:

Difficulty Breastfeeding: Struggles to latch, painful nursing, or frequent, prolonged feedings.

Poor Weight Gain: Inadequate weight gain or slow growth despite regular feeding.

Gassiness and Colic: Frequent gas, colic, spitting up, or reflux due to swallowing air during feeds.

Speech Issues: Delayed or unclear speech as they grow older.

Ear Infections: Ties can be linked to an increased susceptibility to ear infections.

Low Milk Supply: The child may have a hard time extracting the milk if they have a tie.

Painful, Sore Ni***es: Mothers may endure discomfort during breastfeeding if their baby has a tie.

👩‍⚕️ What can you do?

Consult a Lactation Specialist: Reach out to a lactation consultant for guidance and support.

Seek a Referral for Evaluation: If ties are suspected, consider getting a referral to a provider who can assess and, if necessary, release the tie. I can provide recommendations on providers that you can reach out to!

I am certified in MyoMunchee Bebe for ages 6 months +. Start with an assessment to determine if your child is a good candidate for a MyoMunchee and determine appropriate referrals for next steps!

It is best not to wait it out. The sooner this is addressed, the better it is for their development.

🌈 Remember: Every baby is unique, and addressing challenges like lip or tongue ties early can make a significant difference. 🌟💙

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12/04/2025

STOP… are you breathing through your nose or your mouth? Are your lips together without strain or are they resting apart? Are your teeth clenched or is there space between them? Is your tongue up in your palate or is it resting at the bottom or against the teeth? All of these things are important in relation to the way we breathe, sleep, talk, eat, and chew. Treating the orofacial myofunctional disorder can result in improvements in sleep quality/sleep apnea, TMJ and muscle tension, facilitate a stable environment for orthodontics, and prevent orthodontic relapse. Head to my website to learn more or send me a DM - link in my bio!
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12/01/2025

Did you know you should breathe in through your nose and out through your NOSE all the time? Mouth breathing can sustain a fight or flight response. Although exhaling through your mouth while exercising gets rid of CO2, practicing breathing out through your nose during exercise will make you less sensitive to air hunger long term. Most people are mouth breathers due to habit, not the inability to do so. Let me help you train to become a full-time nasal breather!

Keeping the lips together without strain is important at rest, when sleeping, and when chewing. This allows fewer facial muscles to be activated, which may reduce TMJ and neck tension and further promote nasal breathing.

Proper tongue posture keeps the upper airway open day and night. If your tongue is in the appropriate position, it isn’t possible to mouth breath. This often results in improved snoring, sleep quality, and/or sleep apnea.

Did you know you should chew your food 20-30 times and swallow with your tongue on the palate? Try to swallow your water with a big smile. If you can’t do this or you use your facial muscles to do so, you may have a tongue thrust. This means you are using extra facial musculature to swallow, and your tongue may be bracing on your teeth rather than your palate. We swallow more than 500 times a day! Proper chewing and swallowing can lead to better digestion, less muscle tension, and prevent overeating.

Please message me or visit my website to learn more or to schedule an assessment! The link is in my bio!

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11/28/2025

When the tongue, jaw, and airway muscles are functioning the way they’re meant to, it takes pressure off the face, neck, and head - which can ease tension headaches, jaw discomfort, and even TMJ symptoms over time.

But here’s the secret:
The best results happen when we approach the body as a whole.

That’s why I love working alongside bodyworkers such as RMTs, PTs, osteopaths, kinesiologists, chiros, dentists, and craniosacral therapists. When we address both the muscular habits and the structural patterns, clients see faster, more long-lasting improvements.

A team approach = optimal healing.

If you’re struggling with tension, headaches, or TMJ symptoms, you don’t have to do it alone - a collaborative plan can make all the difference.

Charm Myofunctional Therapy

01/07/2026

01/02/2026

12/28/2025

12/23/2025

12/21/2025

12/18/2025

12/13/2025

12/10/2025

12/07/2025

12/04/2025

12/01/2025

11/28/2025

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