About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of chewing and proper breathing for toddlers and their impact on oral health and development.

Mouth breathing, soft diets, poor sleep, picky eating, and crowded teeth are often treated as separate issues. But many of them are connected through oral function and airway development in early childhood. In this episode, I am talking to registered dental practitioner, oral health therapist, orofacial myofunctional therapist, and founder of The Face Place , Mel Van Schelven, about toddler oral function and why it matters far beyond teeth. We discuss mouth breathing, sleep quality, chewing, facial growth, picky eating, convenience feeding products, and the practical ways parents can support healthy oral development at home.   Mel and I talk about: Why the toddler years are a critical window for jaw and airway development How modern diets and ultra processed foods reduce chewing and impact oral development Why chewing is essential for jaw strength, tongue posture, swallowing, and airway health How pouches, smoothie bottles, sippy cups, and soft foods can prolong immature oral patterns The connection between mouth breathing, nervous system regulation, sleep quality, and behaviour Common signs of mouth breathing, including restless sleep, snoring, drooling, dark circles, and…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Hilary Claire

Guest: Mel Van Schelven

Topics covered

• toddler oral health
• breathing
• chewing
• diet
• picky eating
• airway development

Keywords

• mouth breathing
• oral function
• jaw development
• picky eating
• sleep quality
• chewing opportunities
• airway health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Face Place

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