When we think about digestion, most of us focus on the stomach and intestines. But did you know that digestion actually starts in the brain and the mouth? Your tongue posture, breathing patterns, and chewing habits all play a crucial role in gut health.  

When I was trained as a myofunctional therapist no one could really explain why there were digestive issues.  It was a “that’s just how it is” situation.  Fast forward several years, I wanted a deeper understanding of the why behind all the digestive issues I worked with, so I went back to school to get my Nutrition Therapy Practitioner certification and finally, I understood!  

 

I wanted to pass that understanding on to other myofunctional therapists!

Let’s dive in so you can explain it to your clients with a better understanding than what I had!

“The Myofunctional Therapy-Digestion Connection”

1. Tongue Posture & The Vagus Nerve

One of the most overlooked factors in digestion is tongue posture. When the tongue rests properly on the roof of the mouth, it stimulates the vagus nerve, which regulates digestion, breathing, and even mental health.

When the tongue is low or improperly positioned, vagus nerve stimulation is reduced, leading to sluggish digestion, bloating, and other gut issues. This is why correcting tongue posture is an essential part of optimizing digestive health.

2. Mouth Breathing & Stress Response

Mouth breathing doesn’t just impact oxygen levels—it also puts the body in a constant state of stress. When you breathe through your mouth, your nervous system shifts into fight-or-flight mode rather than the relaxed rest-and-digest state needed for proper digestion.

Think about it this way: If your body thinks it’s running from a saber-tooth tiger, it doesn’t care what happens to the food in your stomach. Helping clients transition to nasal breathing can significantly improve their digestive function.

3. Rapid Eating Behaviors

Many clients—especially those with tongue ties—develop rapid eating habits. When chewing is difficult, they default to chew, chew, swallow without properly breaking down food.

But digestion starts in the mouth. If food isn’t chewed to the consistency of a smoothie, it places extra stress on the stomach and intestines. Encouraging mindful chewing and tongue function correction can significantly improve digestion.

4. Poor Posture & Diaphragm Compression

Posture plays a significant role in digestion. Many clients with untreated tongue ties tend to roll forward, compressing their diaphragm. This leads to shallow breathing, which—just like mouth breathing—keeps the body in a stressed state.

Poor posture also physically compresses the digestive organs, making it harder for the body to process food efficiently. By improving tongue posture and breathing mechanics, digestion naturally improves.

5. Diet, Congestion & Nasal Breathing

Many clients struggle with chronic congestion, which further contributes to mouth breathing and digestive issues. But what’s causing the congestion?

Often, it’s related to dietary triggers like dairy, gluten, sugar, or alcohol—the biggest inflammatory culprits. If a client can’t breathe through their nose, it’s important to determine whether it’s a structural issue or a dietary sensitivity.

[Learn more by exploring our Mouth Breathing Makeover Mini Course]

How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help Your Clients

Many clients are shocked to learn that their digestion issues are connected to their tongue posture, breathing, and eating habits. As a myofunctional therapist, helping them recognize these links can be a pivotal part of their treatment.

When working with clients, consider these steps:
✅ Assess tongue posture and educate them on the vagus nerve connection.
✅ Evaluate breathing patterns—is it nasal or shallow thoracic breathing?
✅ Observe chewing and swallowing mechanics—are they rushing through meals?
✅ Discuss posture and whether diaphragm compression could be a factor.
✅ Explore congestion causes—is it from mouth breathing or dietary triggers?

If digestive issues are linked to orofacial myofunctional disorders, addressing them through therapy can lead to significant symptom relief.

Bringing It All Together

Myofunctional therapy isn’t just about oral function—it’s about whole-body wellness. By understanding and addressing the connection between breathing, posture, and digestion, you can help your clients improve their overall health.

If you’re a dental hygienist looking to build a life you’re bonkers about by working less + earning more + having total control of your calendar + working from anywhere, check out the Ditch Hygiene Academy™. Inside, we focus on creating high-value, client-focused wellness practices that go beyond traditional care.

👉 [Check out the Myofunctional Therapy Training Academy Online Course Shop]

 

🥂,

Carmen

 

P.S. Are you tired of building someone else’s dreams?  If so, you definitely want to check out my free introductory training. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've taken another course?

If you've taken another course and don't feel prepared to dip your toes in, then we recommend that you invest in another course.  We've got many students who've taken multiple courses and found that our course and leadership were the bomb-diggidy that finally made things click!

Will this course give me business training too?

The Ditch Hygiene Program was designed to give you the myofunctional therapy foundation as well as learn how to start / run your business.  Throughout the entire course, you learn exactly what Carmen did to build a multi 6-figure business (soon to be 7 figure business).  Plus, you will also have several interviews and business case studies from other therapists about their own business journey.

What sets this program apart from others?

What makes the Ditch Hygiene Academy different?

The leadership of Carmen.  She empowers, educates, and encourages you along the way...while helping you become a myofunctional problem solver.  The Ditch Hygiene Academy doesn't just lure you in and leave you.  Our program leads you.  The testimony speaks volumes.

Carmen never tops mentoring and coaching you.  Your success is her success.  This is a high-touch premium level program.  There is only room for go-getters!  Carmen shows you the path and teaches you to believe in yourself, your process, and the possibilities of what life can bring!!

This program is absolutely the only one of it's kind that offers practical application for both therapy and business.  You work alongside other ambitious women who are exactly where you are...at the beginning!  Carmen is there every step of the way, from mock clients, practice clients to a real life apprenticeship!

How long can I access the material?

Your teaching cohort will be 24 weeks long, and longer if you choose to uplevel for stage 4 or 5 training.  You will have access to all materials for that length+ an additional 30 days to tie up loose ends.  If you enroll as a gold level member, you get access for the lifetime of the course! All information will be located inside your course agreement when you enroll.

Who can take the course?

Dental hygienists. We ask for proof of your credentials before finalizing your enrollment.

Do I have to get "certified"?

While there is an option in some programs to get a "certificate", it is not necessary, nor does the training guarantee your success.  Currently, myofunctional therapy is written (by the ADHA) into the scope of practice.  This means you need to get the myofunctional education, but it doesn't mean you have to pay the high expense of a "certification" program.  If you see the need for this certification, then you should seek out those programs and compare expenses to do so.  Our program has had a successful mix of those who wanted to do both.  Let's face it...you will get your education from many sources...myofunctional therapy education is not a "one and done" type of learning sequence! The Ditch Hygiene Academy is not a "certification" program and does not endorse or recommend any program.

Training does not = competency.  Keep that in mind.  It takes experience to have competency!

How will I reach people?

You learn many different tactics in the program.  There are primarily three different ways that clients were introduced to us.  1) Hygiene patient 2) Found via a search 3 ) Referred to us

You also learn about our story and how we were able to build a team and teach people.  Networking and marketing strategy is part of the step-by-step roadmap provided for you by this program.  

What if I don't like the program?

We are pretty serious about our passion to help only the serious folks.  Since this is a digital course, we do not offer a refund because you get immediate access to the material.  Please make sure you have thought your decision through before registering!  Because once you do...she is yours!!  Want to take a sneek peek?  Here is a peek at lesson 1, 5 and 8.

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