Severe Reflux/GERD (All Ages)

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The short answer is YES — in many cases, it absolutely can.

If you’re struggling with reflux, heartburn, indigestion, or symptoms that haven’t resolved despite medications or dietary changes, it may be time to explore a lesser-known but critical piece of the puzzle: oral function and breathing patterns.

At Myofunctional Spot, we specialize in treating dysfunction at the source — starting where digestion begins: the mouth. Using a holistic, functional approach rooted in orofacial myofunctional therapy, we help clients uncover and correct the underlying causes of reflux and related symptoms.

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Understanding the Digestive Process: It Starts in the Mouth

Digestion is not just a stomach issue. In fact, it starts the moment you begin chewing.

When the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles work together efficiently, they mechanically break down food, mix it with saliva rich in digestive enzymes, and send signals to the rest of the digestive tract to prepare for food.

But if any part of this oral phase is dysfunctional — such as low tongue posture, weak chewing, open mouth posture, or mouth breathing — the entire digestive sequence is disrupted. This often leads to:

• Incomplete breakdown of food

• Poor saliva production

• Improper enzyme release

• Air swallowing (aerophagia)

• Increased abdominal pressure

• Dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

• Symptoms of acid reflux, silent reflux, GERD, and LPR

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Common Symptoms of Reflux That May Be Tied to Oral Dysfunction

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, the root cause may begin in the oral and facial muscles:

• Chronic heartburn or indigestion

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) — aka “silent reflux”

• Excessive throat clearing or hoarseness

• Sour taste in the mouth or frequent belching

• Post-nasal drip or chronic cough

• Feeling of a “lump” in the throat (globus sensation)

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Sleep apnea or mouth breathing during sleep

• Tongue thrust or forward head posture

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How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Can Help

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized, non-invasive therapy that retrains the muscles of the face, mouth, and airway to function properly. It focuses on improving key patterns that affect breathing, chewing, swallowing, posture, and more.

Our therapy programs at Myofunctional Spot target the root causes of dysfunction and support lasting improvements by addressing:

✅ Tongue Posture

Teaching the tongue to rest fully against the palate, not low in the mouth or against the teeth.

✅ Nasal Breathing

Training individuals to breathe through the nose, which improves saliva production, nitric oxide regulation, and digestion.

✅ Chewing and Swallowing Mechanics

Helping clients learn to chew thoroughly and swallow efficiently without compensatory patterns.

✅ Diaphragmatic Breathing

Promoting deep, belly-based breathing to reduce intra-abdominal pressure and support the LES.

✅ Airway Strength and Muscle Tone

Building tone in the muscles of the pharynx, soft palate, and upper airway to enhance overall oral and digestive function.

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Why Traditional Reflux Treatments May Not Be Enough

Many people turn to antacids, acid blockers, or dietary restrictions to manage reflux — but these only address symptoms, not the source.

If you’ve been told:

• “Your endoscopy is normal”

• “You’ll just have to live with it”

• “You’re not chewing enough”

• “It’s all in your head”

…you’re not alone. For many, the missing link is functional: poor oral mechanics, dysfunctional breathing, or an undiagnosed tongue tie or airway issue may be at the root.

When you correct how you breathe, chew, and swallow, your body is better able to do what it was designed to do: digest, repair, and restore.

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Who Can Benefit From Myofunctional Therapy for Reflux?

Our programs are ideal for:

• Children with chronic reflux or feeding challenges

• Teens and adults with persistent GERD or LPR

• Patients with mouth breathing, tongue tie, or oral habits

• Those who have “tried everything” but still struggle with reflux

• Anyone interested in a natural, root-cause approach to digestive and airway health

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What to Expect From a Functional Assessment

At Myofunctional Spot, we begin with a comprehensive functional evaluation. This is not your average medical exam — we assess:

• Tongue mobility and resting posture

• Oral habits and facial muscle tone

• Swallowing function and breathing patterns

• Chewing mechanics and compensations

• Speech, sleep, and airway history

• Any signs of tongue tie or oral restriction

You’ll receive a personalized plan of care that targets the root of your symptoms — without medications or invasive procedures.

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Ready to Get to the Root of Your Reflux?

If you’re tired of band-aid solutions and ready to explore what’s really causing your symptoms, we’d love to help. Our team has helped countless clients reduce reflux symptoms, improve digestion, and reclaim their quality of life — starting with functional, whole-body care.

Schedule your assessment today and take the first step toward relief.

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📍 Serving South Florida in-person | 🌍 Available via Telehealth 

📞 Call: 954-261-9864

📧 Email: info@myofunctionalspot.com

🌐 Learn more: www.myofunctionalspot.com

Are you concerned that you may have an unidentified oral restriction? Please contact me for more information