Ever since the Industrial Revolution people, especially children, aren’t chewing the way they use to. With the development of soft baby foods, pouches, chicken nuggets, puffs, yogurt melts, etc., we are seeing a weakening of children’s tongues and jawbones.
Soft foods are “pre-chewed,” which causes the child to simply place the food in their mouth and swallow. There is no pressure put on the jawbone which tricks it into thinking it is not needed, therefore stunting its growth.
As for the tongue, it is weakened because it is not being exercised by positioning food for chewing. Through this process the jawbone and tongue can shrink, while the rest of the head continues to grow – which results in closing off the child’s airway.
Tough, chewy foods are a great option to help naturally promote strong jaws, and proper jaw development in children. Some options include:
BEEF STICKS
- Country Archer Provisions
- Chomps
- Epic
- The New Primal Store
DRIED FRUITS
- Bare
- Rind
RAW VEGGIES
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Celery
*the above snacks are a non-exhaustive list, but they are options that have “better” ingredients.
