Shrinking Faces, Chaotic Brains — How Chewing, Jaw Growth, and Picky Eating Reveal the Bigger Picture

Hey friends! In this episode, we dove deep into a topic that’s as eye-opening as it is jaw-dropping (pun totally intended 😄): why our kids’ faces are literally shrinking — and what it has to do with chewing, breathing, and brain development.

Here’s the truth: crooked teeth and narrow jaws aren't just cosmetic issues — they’re signals. Signals of disrupted airway health, underdeveloped facial muscles, and even poor neurological development. I shared what I’ve learned from experts like Dr. Kevin Boyd, who explains that by age seven, 80% of the craniofacial structure is already formed. And if we wait until middle school to intervene? We've already missed a crucial window.

We explored how today’s soft, pouch-filled diets — plus mouth breathing and reduced oral motor activity — are affecting jaw growth and the brain. Our ancestors chewed for hours a day. Now? We’re lucky if our kids chew for one. The result? Smaller airways, sleep-disordered breathing, behavior challenges, and more.

Key takeaways:

-Mouth breathing reduces brain oxygen by up to 18%.

-Chewing is neurological — it stimulates brain development and regulates the nervous system.

-Picky eating, speech delays, bedwetting, and constant chewing (on hair, shirts, etc.) can be signs of oral dysfunction.

-Form follows function: less chewing = weaker jaw muscles = developmental consequences.

We talked about practical things you can do right now:

-Bring back hard, chewable foods (think jerky, carrots, dried fruits).

-Make chewing fun with games and tools like the MyoMunchie.

-Check your child’s nighttime breathing — snoring and mouth breathing aren’t just quirks, they’re clues.

-Observe posture, tongue placement, and behavior for subtle red flags.

Most importantly, I shared my own journey — how I used to misinterpret my daughter’s challenges as “bad behavior” until I learned it was actually sensory and oral motor-related.

The takeaway? You don’t need to be a specialist — you just need to be curious. Awareness is everything. Our kids aren’t broken. They’re adapting. And we can support their growth with small, powerful shifts at home.

Book a consultation today:

I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.

https://shereewertz.com/15-min