Modern life is pretty fast-paced these days, and the importance of chewing often gets overshadowed by the convenience of processed foods and sedentary habits. Not to mention eating on the go, in between meetings, in the car…
The Importance of Chewing
Chewing is not merely a mechanical act of breaking down food; it is a dynamic process that engages and exercises various muscles in the mouth and jaw. These muscles, like any other in our body, require regular movement and exercise to stay healthy. Chewing stimulates blood flow, promotes optimal muscle tone, and maintains the flexibility of the jaw joint. It acts as a natural exercise regimen for the facial muscles, contributing to overall oral health.
Chewing and digestion
Proper chewing is the first step in the digestive process. As food is broken down into smaller particles through thorough chewing, it increases the surface area available for digestive enzymes to work on. This facilitates the breakdown of food in the stomach and supports the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. Inadequate chewing can lead to inefficient digestion, potentially causing bloating, indigestion, and nutrient malabsorption.
Modern Challenges to Oral Health
The modern industrialized lifestyle has created a shift in dietary habits, with an increasing reliance on soft and processed foods. Simultaneously, sedentary lifestyles have become the norm, limiting the range of physical activities that once naturally contributed to oral health. This double whammy has essentially removed the natural cues that historically prompted healthy oral development.
Processed foods, often lacking in nutritional diversity, pose a significant challenge to our oral health. The act of chewing tougher, fibrous foods is inherently linked to maintaining strong jaw muscles and optimal oral function. The shift towards softer diets not only deprives these muscles of the exercise they need but also contributes to a range of oral health issues, including weakened jaw structures, imbalanced facial muscles, and impaired swallowing patterns.
Myo Munchee: An Innovative Solution
In response to the challenges posed by modern dietary and lifestyle choices, innovative tools like the Myo Munchee have emerged. Designed to counteract the negative impacts of contemporary living, the Myo Munchee encourages individuals to rediscover the significance of chewing in maintaining optimal oral health. With just 10 minutes of daily chewing exercises, individuals can rejuvenate and strengthen the muscles of the lips, face, and jaws.
Myo Munchee and Tongue Tie
Ankyloglossia, commonly known as “tongue tie,” is a congenital condition characterized by reduced tongue mobility due to a short, thick lingual frenulum. The controversy surrounding its treatment has grown with an uptick in procedures for the condition. The Myo Munchee emerges as a valuable tool in addressing tongue restriction, aiding in tongue and saliva control through mastication and swallow muscle training.
Active use of the Myo Munchee is particularly beneficial for individuals with tongue restriction. However, it’s essential to approach it with care, considering the potential strong gag reflexes common in these cases. Passive use in the initial stages can ease individuals into the Myo Munchee routine. For those undergoing frenectomy or frenuloplasty (cutting or lasering the tongue tie), the Myo Munchee proves useful both pre and post-procedure.
Proper chewing is a fundamental aspect of our oral, digestive, and overall health. With its potential to enhance muscle tone, swallow patterns, and overall oral function, the Myo Munchee offers a proactive approach to unlocking the full potential of our oral health.
Interested in learning more? We have Myo Munchee available in the clinic and would be happy to answer any of your questions!