Myofunctional Therapy & MyoMunchee: Is It Right for Your Child?

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in Walnut Creek, we take a whole-child approach to dentistry — because a healthy smile is about more than teeth. The way your child breathes, chews, and swallows impacts not only their dental health but also their sleep, growth, and overall well-being.

That’s why we sometimes recommend myofunctional therapy and supportive tools like the MyoMunchee — a simple yet powerful oral appliance designed to strengthen muscles, encourage nasal breathing, and support proper jaw development.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is like “physical therapy for the mouth and face muscles.” It focuses on correcting oral habits that may interfere with healthy development, including:

• Mouth breathing/low tongue resting position

• Tongue thrusting

• Poor swallow patterns

• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

By retraining oral muscles, myofunctional therapy helps children breathe through the nose, rest the tongue in the correct position, and chew and swallow efficiently.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), correcting oral function early can positively influence airway development, dental alignment, and sleep quality.

Learn more about how we incorporate airway awareness into care through our Airway & Breathing Center

What Is a MyoMunchee?

A MyoMunchee is a small, chewable silicone appliance that looks a bit like a soft mouthguard. Kids gently chew on it for just a few minutes each day. This simple practice encourages:

• Stronger jaw and facial muscles

• Proper tongue posture

• Nasal breathing over mouth breathing

• Improved swallowing patterns

• Healthy dental arch development

It’s non-invasive, kid-friendly, and can be an important tool in guiding natural growth.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) notes that nasal breathing and proper oral function play a key role in craniofacial growth and long-term dental stability.

Did You Know?

👉 Studies show that up to 50% of children display some signs of mouth breathing. Left unchecked, this habit can affect dental alignment, airway health, and even how the face develops.

The Sleep Foundation and Harvard Health Publishing both emphasize that chronic mouth breathing can impact oxygen levels, jaw growth, and sleep quality.

Tools like the MyoMunchee — combined with early intervention — help children grow into stronger, healthier smiles.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy

Parents often ask how to know if myofunctional therapy or a MyoMunchee might help. Here are some common indicators:

• Frequent mouth breathing or snoring

• Crowded or crooked teeth

• Grinding or clenching at night (bruxism)

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing certain foods

• Thumb or finger sucking habits

• Forward head posture or slouched breathing stance

If you notice these signs, a consultation can help determine the best next steps. 

You can schedule a visit with our team for a gentle, airway-focused evaluation.

Common Questions About MyoMunchee & Myofunctional Therapy

Is MyoMunchee safe for kids?

Yes! MyoMunchee appliances are made from medical-grade silicone and are designed specifically for children’s mouths.

How much time does my child need to use it?

Most children start with just a few minutes a day, gradually increasing as comfort and strength build.

Will this replace braces?

Not always. MyoMunchee can reduce the severity of orthodontic issues by guiding jaw and arch development early. It may also make future orthodontic treatment simpler and more effective.

Do we need to see a specialist for myofunctional therapy?

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, our team integrates airway and myofunctional evaluations into your child’s care plan, and we collaborate with myofunctional therapists when needed for the best results.

Why Choose Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry?

Dr. Melissa Lopez and Dr. Judyth Lee are board-certified pediatric dentists who understand how airway, muscle function, and oral health are all connected. With tools like the MyoMunchee and an integrative care model, we help children grow into healthier, more confident versions of themselves.

Our Airway & Breathing Center and whole-child approach ensure that every patient receives care that supports their unique growth and development.

"The way we breathe, chew, and smile shapes the way we grow." — At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we believe small habits today create lifelong health tomorrow.

Schedule a Consultation in Walnut Creek

If you’re curious about whether myofunctional therapy or a MyoMunchee is right for your child, contact Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in Walnut Creek. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your child’s oral health, airway development, and whole-body wellness.