A 17th century philosopher said “We only see what we know”. Growing up I did not know that I was a mouth breather. Yet, here I am at age 8 playing the piano for a family sing-a-long and mouth breathing. It was at about this time that my 3rd grade teacher started bringing it to my attention. She would say, “Katha, close your mouth. You look like a fish out of water!” or “Katha, your mouth is open. Do you want to catch a fly?”
But try as I might I could NOT close my mouth and breathe!
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I had my tonsils and adenoids removed as well as treatment for allergies but I still could not close my mouth and breathe through my nose.
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I had four years of orthodontic treatment to improve the structures of my mouth but I still couldn’t close my mouth.
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It wasn’t until I was given myofunctional therapy for the muscles of my mouth that I was able to close my mouth and breathe through my nose for the first time in my life!
This successful experience determined my career path. I trained as a medical assistant, earned an AA degree with the emphasis in education and obtained specialized training in myofunctional therapy at the Institute for Myofunctional Therapy. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from San Diego State University and my subsequent study and training have been in the specialty of orofacial myology. Since 1975 I have had the privilege of working in the field of myofunctional therapy helping children, teens and adults with a special emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of tongue thrust and mouth breathing.
My husband Alan and I treasure our rural life in beautiful Bath County where we farm, golf, enjoy friends and family and hike the beautiful mountain trails. To unwind, I love to read, watch movies and play my guitar or piano which, now thanks to myofunctional therapy, I can do without mouth breathing!
