Myofunctional Therapy Prep Exercises

Welcome to your myo prep exercises!

Face & tongue exercises to support breathing, speech, and smiles.

View Exercises

We’re happy to have your family as part of the crew!

You can start building strong, healthy habits right here. These simple, playful exercises are designed to help kids (and parents) strengthen the muscles that support breathing, speech, and healthy facial growth.

We’re here to support you!

Our Myofunctional Therapy team is here to guide you. If you’ve included a Myo session in your plan, keep an eye out for personalized next steps. And if questions come up, just send us a message in your Toothpillow app—we’re always here to help.

Want more personalized symptom-based support? See Myo Plans ›

The Myo Prep exercise library

Start with just one exercise at a time. Practice for 1–2 minutes, a few times a day. 
‍Pro tip: Try them in front of a mirror—it makes practice fun, and kids love seeing their silly faces!

Download and print all the exercises for home ›

How to Breathe Properly

Why it matters: Breathing through the nose helps kids sleep better, focus easier, and supports healthy growth of the face and jaws.

How to do it:‍

Sit tall, gently close your lips
Slowly breathe in and out through your nose
Feel the belly rise and fall with each breath
Try 1–2 minutes, a few times a day

Tongue-to-Palate Stretch

Why it matters: Resting the tongue gently against the roof of the mouth supports clear speech, proper swallowing, and helps shape the growing jaw.

How to do it:‍

Sit tall, gently close your lips
Lightly touch the tip of the tongue to the spot just behind the top front teeth
Gently press upward—hold for a few seconds, then relax
Repeat 5–10 times.

Tongue Waggles

Why it matters: Moving the tongue side-to-side helps build strength and coordination—helpful for clear speech and proper swallowing patterns.

How to do it:‍

Stick the tongue out and wiggle it left, then right
Hold for 2–3 seconds each side
Repeat 5–10 times.

Puffer Fish

Why it matters: Puffing both cheeks with air strengthens the lips, cheeks, tongue, and soft palate—supporting better swallowing and facial tone.

How to do it:‍

Close lips and puff out both cheeks with air
Hold for 5 seconds, then release
Repeat 5–10 times

Granny Surprise Face

Why it matters: Stretching and wiggling the face lets kids explore their muscles playfully—while strengthening cheek and lip tone for better speech and posture.

How to do it:‍

Puff cheeks, squint eyes, wrinkle the nose
Hold it for a few seconds, then relax
Repeat 5–10 times

Granny & Grandpa Screamers

Why it matters: Playful, exaggerated expressions help build awareness and control of facial muscles, making daily habits like mouth closure feel easier.Stretching and wiggling the face lets kids explore their muscles playfully—while strengthening cheek and lip tone for better speech and posture.

How to do it:‍

Pretend you’re Granny or Grandpa waking up
Open eyes wide, mouth open (no yelling!), then gently close
Repeat 5–10 times

Lips Closed Around the Appliance

Why it matters: Gently sealing the lips around the appliance trains mouth posture, supports nasal breathing, and helps your child get comfy with their new Toothpillow guide.

How to do it:‍

When the appliance is in place, relax the jaw and gently close lips around it—no squeezing
Hold for 10–15 seconds
Practice several times a day