![photo of 2 myomunchees, one child’s clear and one adult pink one on marbled background](https://stsmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Blog-Post-Photos-40.jpg)
The MyoMunchee is an innovative tool that supports the growth and development. By integrating natural chewing exercises into daily routines, the MyoMunchee not only promotes oral hygiene but also enhances facial development, muscle strength, and overall health.
History of the MyoMunchee
The MyoMunchee was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Kevin Bourke, an Australian dentist. Dr. Bourke recognized the importance of natural chewing motions in maintaining oral health and saw the potential for a device that could harness these movements for therapeutic purposes. The MyoMunchee was designed as a chewing device that stimulates muscle activity and encourages proper jaw development. Over the decades, the MyoMunchee has evolved with advancements in dental science and has become a widely recommended tool by pediatric dentists and orthodontists worldwide.
Benefits of Using the MyoMunchee
Oral Hygiene
- Plaque Removal The chewing action with the MyoMunchee helps to dislodge food particles and plaque from teeth surfaces, complementing traditional brushing techniques.
- Saliva Production Increased chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away food particles.
Jaw and Facial Development
- Muscle Strengthening Regular use of the MyoMunchee strengthens the muscles of the jaw and face, promoting proper alignment and function.
- Bone GrowthThe MyoMunchee encourages natural jaw movements, which stimulate bone growth and support the development of a well-formed facial structure.
- Improved Breathing By promoting proper jaw alignment, the MyoMunchee can help to reduce mouth breathing and encourage nasal breathing, which is beneficial for overall respiratory health.
Neurological and Cognitive Benefits
- Improved Focus The rhythmic chewing action can have a calming effect on children, helping to improve concentration and focus.
- Motor Skills Development Using the MyoMunchee helps to enhance fine motor skills as children learn to coordinate their chewing movements.
How the MyoMunchee Works
The MyoMunchee is a simple yet effective tool that integrates into daily oral care routines. It operates on three primary functions: brushing, strengthening, and improving.
- Brushing The textured surface of the MyoMunchee acts like a brush, helping to clean the teeth as the child chews. This action reaches areas that are often missed by traditional brushing, providing a more comprehensive cleaning.
- Strengthening The chewing motion required by the MyoMunchee exercises the muscles of the jaw, face, and mouth. This regular exercise helps to strengthen these muscles, promoting proper development and function. Stronger muscles contribute to better chewing efficiency and jaw stability.
- Improving
- Posture and Alignment Consistent use of the MyoMunchee encourages proper tongue posture and jaw alignment. This can lead to improvements in bite patterns and reduce the risk of developing orthodontic issues.
- Speech and Swallowing The MyoMunchee promotes proper tongue movements and muscle coordination, which are essential for clear speech and efficient swallowing.
The MyoMunchee is more than just a dental tool; it is a comprehensive device that supports the overall growth and development of children and adults. By promoting oral hygiene, strengthening facial muscles, and encouraging proper jaw development, the MyoMunchee lays the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and well-being. At Santa Teresa Smiles we utilize the MyoMunchee in many of our patients’ treatment plans to promote overall health as well as oral health. Contact us today for more information about our use of the MyoMunchee device.
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