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.
