Knox Orofacial Myology

04/14/2026

Most parents come in after this moment…

“We knew something needed to change.”
— Katie H.

That moment where you realize
something isn’t adding up.

You’ve asked questions.
You’ve tried things.

You just don’t have clear direction yet.

www.knoxorofacialmyology.com
hollib@knoxorofacialmyo.info

04/12/2026

Sleep quality is not just about bedtime—it’s about what’s happening during sleep. Noisy breathing, snoring, mouth breathing, and restless sleep can be signs the body is working too hard to breathe well at night.
OMT supports airway-friendly patterns that can improve what’s happening under the surface: nasal breathing habits, tongue posture, and oral muscle coordination. For many families, this is the missing piece they didn’t know to look for.

www.knoxorofacialmyology.com
| hollib@knoxorofaicalmyology.info | 309-737-6837 (text or leave a message) to schedule a consult.

04/11/2026

Try this quick drill:

Make a strong “click” with your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

Now lightly suction your tongue to you palate.

Close lips gently, breathe through your nose for 30 seconds.

That’s the general idea of where your tongue should rest (individual anatomy varies). Practice this several times a day to start retraining your tongue posture.

Full myofunctional therapy goes much deeper, but this is a good intro.

www.knoxorofacialmyology.com
hollib@knoxorofacialmyo.info

04/11/2026

04/11/2026

If breathing is off during sleep,
the body compensates.

Grinding can be a response.
Restless sleep can follow.
Daytime behavior can shift.

We don’t ignore patterns.
We look at what’s driving them.

www.knoxorofacialmyology.com
hollib@knoxorofacialmyo.info

04/09/2026

We obsess over oral hygiene but forget nasal hygiene—even though the nose is our primary breathing route.

For many people (not all), simple nasal care like:

Saline rinses

Humidified air

Avoiding irritants

can support better nasal breathing.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on how you use the muscles, and nasal hygiene supports the pathway those breaths travel.

(Always follow medical guidance, especially if you have sinus or ear conditions.)

04/08/2026

You’ve been told:
“they’ll grow out of it”
“it’s just a phase”

But you’re still noticing:
• mouth open posture
• restless sleep
• teeth shifting

That doesn’t mean nothing is wrong.
It usually means no one has looked at function yet.

If this sounds like you or someone you know and want more information please reach out.
www.knoxorofacialmyology.com
hollib@knoxorofacialmyo.info
or DM me.

04/07/2026

Orthodontics is amazing at creating space and alignment. But here’s what many people don’t realize: the muscles and habits around the teeth matter, too.

If the tongue rests low, the lips stay open, mouth breathing is the default, or swallowing patterns are compensating, the body can keep pulling things back toward the old pattern even after braces.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on the function side of the equation:
tongue posture and resting position
lip seal
nasal breathing habits
swallowing and oral muscle coordination

It’s not a replacement for orthodontics. It’s support that can help you get more out of the orthodontic work you’re already doing.

If you’re in braces now, planning orthodontics, or dealing with relapse, reach out.

www.knoxorofacialmyology.com

hollib@knoxorofacialmyo.info

04/07/2026

Snoring is often associated with adults, but many children snore as well. Parents may notice light snoring, noisy breathing, or restless sleep.

While occasional snoring during illness or congestion can happen, regular snoring may indicate that the airway is working harder during sleep.

When the airway becomes more resistant, the body sometimes compensates by breathing through the mouth or changing muscle patterns during sleep.

Parents may also notice symptoms such as:

• mouth breathing
• restless sleep
• teeth grinding
• bedwetting
• difficulty waking in the morning
• daytime fatigue

Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on strengthening and retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and airway so they can function more efficiently.

I work with families in Galesburg, Illinois and surrounding communities to evaluate oral function and breathing patterns that may be impacting sleep.

You can learn more at
www.knoxorofaciamyology.com

Or reach out at
hollib@knoxforofacialmyo.info

Understanding how breathing and muscle function relate to sleep can often provide helpful answers for families.

04/05/2026

Open-mouth posture can be a clue: nasal breathing may not feel easy, the tongue may be resting low, or the facial muscles are compensating. Over time, this can show up as dry mouth, snoring, drooling at night, and fatigue.
Myofunctional therapy works on functional lip seal and facial muscle balance so the mouth can rest closed comfortably—without clenching, strain, or forcing it.
www.knoxorofacialmyology.com
| hollib@knoxorofaicalmyology.info | 309-737-6837 (text or leave a message) to schedule a consult.

04/04/2026

One of the most common things parents mention when they first talk with me is that their child sleeps with their mouth open.

At first it may seem harmless, but mouth breathing can sometimes be a sign that the body is having difficulty maintaining comfortable nasal breathing during sleep.

The nose is designed to filter, warm, and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs. When breathing happens through the mouth instead, the muscles of the face, tongue, and airway can begin to adapt differently over time.

Parents may also notice other signs happening alongside mouth breathing such as restless sleep, snoring, teeth grinding, or difficulty waking in the morning.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on improving the coordination and function of the muscles involved in breathing, swallowing, and oral posture.

If you live in Galesburg, Illinois or surrounding areas, I work with both children and adults to evaluate oral function and breathing patterns that may be contributing to these concerns.

You can learn more at
www.knoxorofaciamyology.com

Or contact me at
hollib@knoxforofacialmyo.info

Sometimes small observations during sleep can provide important clues about how the body is functioning.