Why Chewing is the Secret to Your Child’s Healthy Growth and Development
Hey there, Myofunctional Mama fam! Let’s talk about chewing—that underrated little function that helps your little ones thrive, grow, and hit those crucial oral milestones. You might think chewing is just about eating, but you’re about to discover, it’s so much more.
It’s the key to supporting healthy jaw development, facial growth, better breathing, and even great sleep. So, grab a snack (chewable, of course), and let’s dig in!
The Big Deal About Oral Milestones
As parents, we celebrate first steps, first words, and even first tantrums (OK, maybe not that one). But what about oral milestones? They’re just as crucial for your child’s development, and here’s why:
The Key Oral Milestones:
Sucking: From birth, sucking (hello breastfeeding!) activates jaw muscles and builds strength in the lower face.
Chewing: By 4–6 months, babies are ready for chew toys to prep their jaws for solid foods.
Mature Swallowing: By 9–12 months, your little one should ditch the tongue-thrusting "extrusion reflex" for a mature swallow.
Drinking from Cups: At 12–15 months, it’s time to wean from bottles and practice with open cups or straws.
Chewing with Lips Closed: By age 2, kids should manage bite-sized foods with a closed-lip chew (and no dribbles!).
What Happens When Chewing Takes a Back Seat?
If chewing isn’t happening as it should, your child could face some unexpected roadblocks. Here are the signs to watch for and the long-term effects:
Signs of Underdevelopment:
Mouth breathing (that adorable open mouth isn’t so cute after all).
Trouble chewing firmer foods.
Speech delays.
Frequent ear infections.
Sleep disturbances or snoring.
Why It Matters:
Orthodontic Issues: Underdeveloped jaws can lead to crooked teeth and future braces.
Poor Sleep: Mouth breathing during sleep reduces oxygen flow to the brain, causing tiredness and behaviour that mimics ADHD.
Dental Decay: Less chewing = less saliva = more cavities. Yikes!
Chewing: The Unsung Hero of Healthy Kids
Chewing isn’t just about munching through dinner; it’s a mini workout for your kiddo’s face. When kids chew, they:
Build strong muscles in their jaws, tongues, and cheeks.
Stimulate saliva (nature’s cavity fighter!).
Promote proper alignment for their teeth and jaws.
Encourage nasal breathing for better oxygen flow.
And get this—chewing even helps with concentration and memory by increasing blood flow to the brain. Who knew snack time could be so powerful?
Modern Life: The Chewing Saboteur
Let’s face it: our busy, modern lives aren’t exactly chew-friendly. Between soft, processed foods and endless pouches, kids aren’t getting the jaw workouts they need. Add in prolonged dummy use or bottle feeding, and you’ve got a recipe for underdeveloped muscles and jaws.
But don’t stress, there are solutions. Let’s talk foods and tools that make chewing fun and effective!
Chew-Friendly Foods to Get Those Little Jaws Moving
Looking for ways to encourage chewing? The secret is in the texture! Offering foods that require a bit of effort is a fantastic way to build strong jaws, improve oral development, and keep those little mouths busy. Here are some of the best chew-friendly foods to add to your child’s menu:
Top Chewing Superstars:
Beef Jerky: Perfect for older kids, jerky is a chewy, protein-packed snack that works the jaw muscles. Opt for low-sodium or homemade versions for a healthier option.
Lamb Cutlets: Let the kids gnaw on the meat around the bone—it’s delicious, fun, and great for jaw strength.
Apple Slices (Skin On): The crisp texture makes them a satisfying chew while sneaking in some fibre and vitamins.
Raw Carrot Sticks: A classic for a reason! Carrots are firm enough to give those jaws a workout but soft enough to avoid frustration.
Whole Grain Bagels or Rolls: Dense breads provide plenty of chew time while satisfying hungry tummies.
Dried Mango or Pineapple: Naturally sweet and chewy, these make an excellent treat for kids while exercising their oral muscles.
Tips for Success:
Always supervise younger children with harder foods to prevent choking.
Serve these foods in bite-sized portions to match your child’s chewing ability.
Make it fun—pretend they’re dinosaurs chomping through their “prey” or adventurers exploring new “treasures” of flavour.
Chewing on these types of foods regularly will not only help develop strong jaws but also set your child up for a lifetime of healthy oral habits!
Tools to Supercharge Your Myofunctional Therapy Journey
Having the right tools in your myofunctional toolbox can turn therapy into a game-changer. Here are my top picks:
1. Myo Munchee: The Chew Champion
The Myo Munchee - it’s a game-changer. This chewable device strengthens the jaw, improves lip seal, and promotes correct tongue posture—all in just 10 minutes a day.
👉 Why it’s awesome: Easy, effective, proven to work and it’s fun for kids.
💻 Grab yours here: Shop Myo Munchee - Link here!
2. MyoSpots: Tongue Training Made Easy
MyoSpots are dissolvable tabs that stick to the roof of the mouth, encouraging proper tongue posture. They’re flavoured, non-invasive, and perfect for kids. You can read my blog post Myospots: How This Simple Tool Supports Tongue Posture, Nasal Breathing, and Facial Growth!
👉 Why it’s awesome: Boosts tongue strength, helps widen the palette and encourages nasal breathing.
💻 Shop MyoSpots here: Get MyoSpots - Link here!
3. Lip Tape: Goodbye Mouth Breathing
Lip tape is a gentle, effective way to train kids to breathe through their nose during sleep. Options like Myotape for Kids or MyoSpots Lips Tape are safe and easy to use.
👉 Why it’s awesome: Better breathing means better sleep and focus.
💻 Explore lip tape options here: The Best Mouth Tapes for Encouraging Nasal Breathing for Kids!
4. Spot Pal: Find Your Perfect Tongue Spot
The Spot Pal is a genius little tool designed to help kids (and adults!) master proper tongue posture. This silicone device sticks gently to the roof of the mouth, giving the tongue a tactile cue to rest in its ideal spot. It’s an excellent option for building lifelong habits that improve breathing, oral health, and even sleep quality.
👉 Why it’s awesome: Encourages nasal breathing, strengthens tongue posture, and supports both kids and adults in their myofunctional therapy journey.
💻 Learn more about Spot Pal here: The Spot Pal: A Myofunctional Game-Changer for All Ages or purchase it here!
How to Get Kids Chewing (and Loving It)
1. Offer Chew-Friendly Foods
Apple slices, carrots, beef jerkey (bonus points if you make it yourself! to reduce sugar content and preservatives!) and lamb cutlets, slices of cooked steak, sourdough bread… the list goes on and on! Please drop a comment below if you have any foods to add to this list!👇🏼
2. Make Chewing Fun
Incorporate tools like the Myo Munchee into your child’s daily routine. Turn it into a challenge: “How many chews can you do in a minute?”
3. Use Rewards
Sticker charts or apps can help motivate kids to practice chewing or use their myofunctional tools consistently.
The Bigger Picture: Why Chewing Matters
Chewing impacts more than just the mouth—it affects your child’s sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. With the right tools and habits, you can help your child thrive naturally, one chew at a time.
Let’s Chew to Thrive!
Ready to give your child the gift of better oral health? Start by adding these amazing tools to your therapy routine. Check out more of my blog posts here to supercharge your child’s growth and development!🦷💪
