Michelle Phillips | Episode 014
Tongue Tied? How to Untangle Your health and Success with Michelle Phillips
Untangling the Power of Your Tongue: Myofunctional Therapy’s Surprising Impact on Health and Success
Introduction: Where Wellness Begins—Right Under Your Nose
When it comes to holistic health, most of us look to diet, exercise, or meditation. But what if the foundation for your wellness—and even your success—starts with something as overlooked as your tongue? On a recent episode of The Dean’s List, host Alison Dean explored this very topic with Michelle Phillips, a passionate myofunctional therapist. Their conversation cut right to the root (pun intended) of how oral posture and breathing patterns shape not just our health, but potentially every aspect of our lives.
Michelle’s Journey: From Dental Hygiene to Myofunctional Therapy
Michelle Phillips brings nearly three decades of experience as a dental hygienist, but her professional journey took a dramatic turn when persistent neck pain and headaches led her to realize something critical was being missed in conventional dental care. Podcasts and trailblazers like Joy Moeller introduced her to orofacial myology—a specialty focusing on the critical role oral muscles play in everything from breathing to facial development.
Michelle’s own life-changing experience with tongue tie release illuminated how limited mobility in the tongue can result in chronic pain, improper breathing, and poor sleep. By educating herself and eventually launching her practice, MyoMT of Idaho, Michelle now helps clients identify and correct these deep-seated issues.
What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
At its core, orofacial myofunctional therapy is neuromuscular re-education of the oral and facial muscles—a sort of “physical therapy from the neck up.” Imagine needing to change the grip on your tennis racket and having to re-learn your muscle memory; myofunctional therapy is exactly that, but for your tongue, lips, and face.
Four Pillars of Myofunctional Therapy:
Nasal Breathing: Proper breathing is foundational. Chronic mouth breathing—often the result of a tongue tie or poor muscle function—can wreak havoc on health, even altering facial structures over time.
Tongue-to-Spot: The tongue should rest on a specific spot against the roof of your mouth. This position maintains the shape of your jaw and supports healthy breathing.
Lip Seal: Keeping lips gently closed facilitates healthy nasal breathing.
Swallowing Function: The way you swallow can either support or undermine oral health and overall digestion.
Signs, Symptoms, and the Importance of Early Intervention
Michelle shared that almost anyone—from infants to adults—can benefit from myofunctional therapy, but early intervention is key. Signs you might benefit include:
Mouth breathing with lips habitually parted
Forward head posture
Scalloped tongue edges or recessed dental arches
Clenching or grinding teeth
Speech challenges or persistent orthodontic issues
She emphasized that even common issues like childhood bedwetting, restless sleep, or low confidence can be traced to oral dysfunctions.
Integrating Therapy with Dentistry and Beyond
A major theme of the discussion was the need for collaboration between dental professionals and specialists like myofunctional therapists. Traditional orthodontics often focuses on straightening teeth, but without addressing muscle function, many problems (like crooked teeth post-braces) recur.
Michelle advocates for more dentists and medical practitioners to embrace airway-centric approaches and work alongside myofunctional therapists, sleep doctors, and ENT specialists. This integration addresses the root causes—not just the symptoms—of oral and systemic issues.
Practical Tips for Immediate Impact
Not everyone can embark on comprehensive therapy right away, but Michelle offered simple, effective starting points:
Prioritize nasal hygiene—keep those airways clear!
Practice tongue posture: Rest your tongue on the spot just behind your upper front teeth.
Stay aware of your lips; gently keep them closed unless talking or eating.
Focus on slow, low, gentle nasal breathing.
Awareness is the first step to transformation.
Redefining Wellness—One Breath at a Time
This illuminating episode of The Dean’s List leaves us with a powerful message: the journey to health and success may be as simple as closing your mouth, sitting tall, and breathing through your nose. Healing, as Michelle and Alison highlighted, is an ongoing practice. And sometimes, it begins with the smallest muscles, quietly shaping our bodies and our lives from behind the scenes.
*Ready to transform your health? Think about where your tongue is right now—and start there. Michelle is offering 50% off your first evaluation appointment for viewers who mention this podcast!
Connect With Michelle:
Instagram: @myomtofidaho
Website: My OMT Of Idaho
Michelle Recommends: Wild Capri
Follow The Dean’s List:
The Dean's List Podcast Youtube
Instagram: @official_deanslist
Tiktok: @official_deanslist