How Early Jaw Development Can Prevent the Need for Teeth Extractions
February 21, 2025
How Early Jaw Development Can Prevent Tooth Extractions
The Problem with Modern Orthodontics
For decades, traditional orthodontics has relied on extractions as a standard solution for overcrowded teeth. Many children and teenagers are told they need to have perfectly healthy teeth removed just to make room for the rest of their teeth to align properly. But what if we told you this could often be prevented?
The Root Cause: Underdeveloped Jaws
The need for extractions doesn’t arise because we naturally grow too many teeth. Instead, it happens because modern lifestyles have contributed to underdeveloped jaws. Unlike our ancestors, whose strong, wide jaws easily accommodated all their teeth, many children today grow up with narrow dental arches and insufficient space for proper tooth alignment.
So, what changed?
Factors Contributing to Poor Jaw Development:
- Mouth Breathing – Instead of nasal breathing, many children breathe through their mouths, which can lead to improper tongue posture and weak jaw development.
- Soft Diets – Processed and soft foods require less chewing effort, reducing the natural stimulation required for strong jaw growth.
- Poor Oral Habits – Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and bottle-feeding can all contribute to improper jaw formation.
- Lack of Myofunctional Awareness – Many parents and even some healthcare providers are unaware that improper tongue posture and swallowing patterns can hinder natural jaw growth.
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps Prevent Extractions
The good news is that early intervention can help guide proper jaw development, reducing or even eliminating the need for extractions and braces later in life. Myofunctional therapy focuses on training the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to function correctly, supporting natural jaw expansion and alignment.
Key Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy:
- Encourages Proper Nasal Breathing – Breathing through the nose supports optimal oxygen intake and helps guide facial development.
- Strengthens Jaw Muscles – Exercises that encourage proper chewing and tongue posture stimulate natural jaw expansion.
- Promotes Correct Tongue Posture – The tongue resting on the roof of the mouth encourages wider dental arches and better alignment.
- Reduces Orthodontic Intervention – When jaw development is guided correctly from an early age, the need for braces and extractions can be significantly reduced.
The MyoWay Approach: Proactive Jaw Development
At MyoWay, we take a proactive approach to jaw and airway health. Our specialized myofunctional therapy program helps children develop strong, properly aligned jaws that provide adequate space for their teeth—just as nature intended.
Our program includes: ✅ Medical-grade appliances that gently guide jaw growth ✅ Myofunctional exercises tailored to each child’s needs ✅ Parental guidance on how to encourage nasal breathing and healthy oral habits
Take Action Early
The best time to address jaw development is during childhood, before permanent teeth erupt and before orthodontic problems arise. If your child breathes through their mouth, has crowded teeth, or struggles with poor sleep due to airway issues, early intervention can make a world of difference.
By addressing the root causes early, we can help children grow into their best, healthiest smiles—without unnecessary extractions.
📲 Want to learn more? Contact MyoWay today to schedule an assessment and start your child on the path to natural, healthy jaw development.
Pacifiers can soothe a newborn, but when used beyond the first few months, they may silently contribute to long-term health issues
We focus on myofunctional therapy, targeting the muscles and function of the jaw, tongue, and airway to ensure children grow, breathe, and thrive naturally.
When we think about speech development, we often focus on language skills and pronunciation practice. However, many parents and even some healthcare professionals overlook a critical factor—jaw development. The alignment of a child’s jaw directly influences their ability to produce clear, accurate sounds, impacting not only speech clarity but also other essential functions like swallowing, eating, and breathing.
Discover why nasal breathing is essential for children's health. Learn how it supports proper jaw development, improves sleep quality, and enhances cognitive function.
Why Are So Many Teeth Extracted?
As a dentist with 26 years of experience, I’ve seen countless adult patients undergo multiple extractions simply because there wasn’t enough room in their mouths for their teeth. This is a common issue, but the good news is it doesn’t have to happen to your child.
The traditional approach to treating crowded teeth has often been extraction followed by braces. However, we now understand that the root cause of crowded teeth is an underdeveloped jaw. Instead of removing teeth, we can guide natural jaw growth so that every tooth has the space it needs to come in properly.
Myofunctional Therapy Supports Proper Jaw Growth, Teeth Position, and Airway Development in Children
Discover the critical connection between jaw growth, teeth alignment, and airway development in children. Learn how early intervention, myofunctional therapy, and proper nutrition can prevent dental and respiratory issues.
Myofunctional therapy is a transformative approach that addresses mouth breathing, tongue posture, and facial muscle function to promote optimal airway development in children. By encouraging nasal breathing, restoring proper tongue posture, and strengthening oral muscles, this therapy supports healthy jaw growth, improves sleep quality, and prevents future orthodontic issues.
Mouth breathing, while often unnoticed, can have significant negative impacts on a child's health and well-being. It can lead to a variety of issues, from dental problems to sleep disturbances. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why mouth breathing is detrimental and discuss ways to improve your child's breathing habits.
Proper Breathing is Important to Your Child's Health
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of challenges in social communication, behavioral flexibility, and sensory processing. Each individual with ASD exhibits unique strengths and challenges, often leading to difficulties in daily functioning. One less frequently discussed but important topic is the impact of mouth breathing on individuals with ASD and how it may exacerbate certain symptoms. What is Mouth Breathing? Mouth breathing is the act of inhaling and exhaling through the mouth instead of the nose. This can occur due to various factors, including nasal congestion, allergies, anatomical variations (such as a deviated septum), or poor oral habits. Mouth breathing can lead to several physical and behavioral issues, particularly for individuals with ASD. Potential Effects of Mouth Breathing on Individuals with ASD 1. Sleep Disturbances: - Mouth breathing is often associated with disrupted sleep patterns, including snoring and sleep apnea. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate the symptoms of ASD, such as irritability, anxiety, and attention difficulties. 2. Increased Anxiety and Stress: - The physiological effects of mouth breathing, which can lead to hyperventilation and a feeling of breathlessness, may increase anxiety levels. Individuals with ASD often experience heightened anxiety, and mouth breathing may intensify these feelings, making it harder to manage social situations. 3. Oral Health Issues: - Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Poor dental health can cause discomfort and pain, further complicating communication issues or behavioral challenges for individuals with ASD. 4. Impaired Social Interactions: - Mouth breathing can affect speech clarity and resonance, leading to difficulties in communication. This may make social interactions even more challenging for individuals with ASD, who often already struggle with communication and social cues. 5. Facial Development and Posture: - Prolonged mouth breathing can influence facial structure and dental alignment. Changes in facial development may affect self-esteem and body image, further impacting social interactions. 6. Sensory Processing Issues: - Many individuals with ASD have sensory processing challenges. Mouth breathing might exacerbate these issues, as it alters airflow and sensory input. Individuals may become more sensitive to stimuli or experience increased sensory overload. Addressing Mouth Breathing in Individuals with ASD Understanding the implications of mouth breathing is crucial for caregivers and professionals. Here are some strategies to help address this issue: 1. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: - Engage with a Myofunctional Therapist (MFT), ENT specialists, dentists, or orthodontists who are familiar with ASD. They can assess the underlying causes of mouth breathing and provide tailored interventions. 2. Nasal Breathing Techniques: - Encourage exercises that promote nasal breathing, especially during calm moments. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and slow inhalation through the nose can help retrain breath patterns. 3. Address Allergies and Nasal Congestion: - Identify and manage any allergies or respiratory issues that may contribute to mouth breathing. This may involve lifestyle changes or medical treatments to alleviate nasal congestion. 4. Behavioral Interventions: - Use visual schedules, social stories, or positive reinforcement to encourage consistent nasal breathing habits. Making mouth closing a part of a daily routine can promote awareness. 5. Oral Health Care: - Support regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices to mitigate the dental issues that can arise from mouth breathing. Dental professionals can provide guidance on proper oral care. 6. Breathing Exercises: - Implement fun and engaging respiratory exercises or games that highlight the importance of nasal breathing. These can encourage practice in a non-demanding way. Conclusion Mouth breathing can pose significant challenges for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, potentially worsening various symptoms associated with the condition. By understanding these connections and taking proactive steps, caregivers and healthcare professionals can help implement strategies to address mouth breathing. Promoting proper breathing techniques and holistic health measures not only fosters better physical health but also enhances overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with ASD. Encouraging an environment that prioritizes both physical and emotional health can empower individuals on the autism spectrum to thrive.