10/12/2026
Proper chewing plays a larger role in a child's development than many parents realize! At Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry, we encourage chewing with the mouth closed, as this habit supports stronger lips, tongue, and jaw muscles, which are important building blocks for healthy oral development.
Consistent, correct chewing also contributes to cleaner teeth by naturally helping to clear food particles, supports better breathing patterns, and promotes safer, more confident eating. As part of our functional approach to pediatric dentistry, we look at habits like these as part of a bigger picture connecting oral health to overall growth and well-being.
For patients who need additional support building these habits, our in-house speech-language pathologist, Morgan, works closely with families to address chewing patterns, oral motor skills, and myofunctional habits as part of a coordinated approach to care. 😊
