Chewing is one of the most overlooked foundations of development, and it affects far more than just the mouth. Throwback to this episode of Root to Rise, powered by @naboso_technology, with @m.bourke , CEO and Clinical Advisor at @myomunchee . We talked about why chewing is a critical milestone for babies and toddlers, how overuse of pacifiers can reduce oral motor control, and why oral function is connected to posture, breathing, and nervous system regulation. We also got into the surprising research on chewing and brain activity across the lifespan, including why oral input can support focus, cognition, and long-term brain health. And Mary breaks down Myo Munchee in a super practical way: what it is, how it works, and how practitioners prescribe it by age. If you work with kids, support families, or you’re simply curious about how “small” daily inputs shape lifelong health, this episode is worth revisiting. Full episode available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. #roottoRise #nervoussystem #pediatrichealth chewing and brain health | oral motor development | myofunctional education