Myo Munchee: What is it, and how does it help with Mouth Breathing
- Tracey Coulter
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
A Myo Munchee is a silicone oral appliance designed to promote optimal oral function, facial muscle development, and overall health. It is used as a tool in myofunctional therapy and dental care to address various oral and facial issues in both children and adults.
The Myo Munchee is made from medical-grade silicone, ensuring it is both safe and durable for oral use. Designed like a chewable mouthguard, it features small nodules or ridges on its surface that stimulate the gums and encourage chewing. To suit a wide range of users, it is available in various sizes, accommodating different age groups and jaw structures.
How It Works
The Myo Munchee is placed in the mouth, and the user chews on it rhythmically for a few minutes daily. This simple action activates and strengthens the oral, facial, and jaw muscles. It also encourages proper oral habits like nasal breathing, correct tongue posture, and proper chewing.
Benefits of Using a Myo Munchee for Toddlers
The Myo Munchee offers several benefits for a growing toddler by promoting healthy oral, facial, and overall development. Here's what it does:
1. Encourages Proper Jaw and Dental Arch Development
The chewing action required to use the Myo Munchee stimulates the growth and alignment of the jawbones and dental arches.
This activity helps expand the arches naturally, reducing the risk of crowding, misaligned teeth, and narrow palates as the child grows.
2. Supports Nasal Breathing
The Myo Munchee promotes correct tongue posture and encourages the lips to close, which helps transition toddlers from mouth breathing to nasal breathing.
Nasal breathing is crucial for proper oxygen intake, airway development, and overall health, while mouth breathing can lead to issues like disrupted sleep and poor facial growth.
3. Strengthens Oral Muscles
The Myo Munchee exercises the muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, and speaking, which improves oral muscle tone and function.
Stronger oral muscles support clearer speech, better food chewing and swallowing, and a more balanced facial structure.
4. Helps Establish Healthy Oral Habits
Using the Myo Munchee replaces habits like pacifier use or thumb-sucking, which can contribute to dental misalignment and improper jaw development.
It encourages toddlers to engage in active, beneficial oral exercises instead of passive habits that can hinder proper growth.
5. Promotes Proper Facial Growth
Regular use of the Myo Munchee supports balanced development of the midface, jaw, and surrounding structures, fostering a more symmetrical and proportionate facial appearance.
6. Supports Better Sleep and Behavior
By promoting nasal breathing and proper airway development, the Myo Munchee can reduce issues like Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).
Improved sleep quality has a positive impact on behavior, mood, learning, and overall development in toddlers.
7. Encourages Tongue Posture and Function
The Myo Munchee promotes proper tongue resting position (on the roof of the mouth), which is essential for oral health, speech development, and efficient swallowing.
It helps prevent issues like tongue thrust, which can affect dental alignment and speech clarity.
In summary, the Myo Munchee provides active support for a toddler's oral, facial, and airway development, laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellness.
A Myo Munchee is a versatile oral appliance that benefits both adolescents and adults as well, by promoting proper oral function, jaw alignment, and overall health. Here’s how it helps both groups:
Benefits for Adolescents
Adolescence is a crucial time for growth and development, and the Myo Munchee supports these processes:
Supports Jaw and Facial Growth
Guides the growth of the jaw and facial bones, ensuring proper alignment.
Reduces the risk of crowding and malocclusion (misaligned teeth).
Improves Breathing
Encourages nasal breathing by promoting proper oral posture and reducing mouth breathing.
Helps improve airway function, reducing risks of snoring or mild sleep-disordered breathing.
Corrects Myofunctional Issues
Encourages proper tongue posture, lip seal, and swallowing patterns.
Strengthens facial and oral muscles, improving function and aesthetics.
Enhances Oral Hygiene
Chewing on the appliance stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleans the mouth and reduces plaque buildup.
Improves gum health through stimulation of oral tissues.
Prevents Harmful Habits
Discourages thumb-sucking, nail-biting, and mouth breathing, which can harm oral and facial development.
Supports Orthodontic Treatment
Can complement braces or aligners by encouraging proper oral posture and muscle function, optimizing orthodontic outcomes.
Benefits for Adults
For adults, the Myo Munchee supports health maintenance, functional improvement, and oral rehabilitation:
Improves Jaw Function
Addresses temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, reducing pain and improving bite function.
Strengthens jaw muscles, promoting balanced function and reducing strain.
Supports Breathing and Airway Health
Encourages nasal breathing, which can improve oxygen intake and reduce snoring or mild sleep apnea.
Improves tongue posture and prevents airway blockages caused by poor oral habits.
Enhances Myofunctional Therapy
Supports retraining of oral and facial muscles for better swallowing, chewing, and speaking habits.
Addresses muscle imbalances that can affect posture and overall health.
Promotes Oral Hygiene and Gum Health
Chewing action helps clean teeth, reducing plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
Stimulates blood flow in the gums, promoting healthier oral tissues.
Rehabilitates Oral Habits
Helps break chronic mouth-breathing patterns and retrains the tongue for proper rest posture.
May aid in recovery from poor oral habits that have persisted since childhood.
Improves Digestive Health
Encourages thorough chewing, which aids in proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Supports Aging Well
Maintains muscle tone in the face, supporting a youthful appearance.
Helps counteract the effects of long-term wear and tear on teeth and oral structures.
How It Works
The Myo Munchee is designed to be chewed on for short daily sessions, encouraging proper muscle activation. For adolescents, it works as a preventative and developmental tool, while for adults, it focuses more on correction and rehabilitation.
All ages can benefit from improved oral health, function, and overall well-being when using the Myo Munchee consistently. Consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a Myofunctional Therapist, Dentist or Orthodontist, ensures optimal use and outcomes tailored to individual needs.