When a person is gagging it is usually because their gag reflex is overreacting, and this is often because there is an imbalance of the information coming from their brain to this area - it is a survival response to keep the airway open.

Dr Bourke’s suggestion is to look at trying to activate some other cranial nerve pathways to override the gag. First thing to try would be a little bit of salt on the back of the tongue. Next try smelling some essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus and listening to music with headphones on.

Try to hold the appliance in place in the mouth while breathing steadily through the nose- quite often after moving past the initial fear response you will be able to trust the process of having the Munchee in place and that you can breathe etc.

For children you can also trim a few mm off the back

Occlusion is the way in which the teeth meet when the upper and lower jaw come together. Malocclusion is when your upper and lower teeth don’t align when you close your mouth. Good occlusion helps the jaw and teeth develop properly. This growth is also influenced by a number of factors including – breathing, chewing, diet and eating habits.

Dentists and allied health professionals can help improve facial growth during treatment and the Myo Munchee is a fantastic tool to support their work.

The Munchee Movement brings parents, children and practitioners together with the common purpose of reclaiming natural, functional chewing and oral motor function. We are building the movement for positive change and a healthier world by bringing more awareness and empowering people and parents through new skills and knowledge in terms of:

Integrating facial, jaw and tongue muscles working together for better jaw function and breathing

Helping people to function better from birth to maximise healthy development

Connecting with a new generation of professionals who want more ways to help their clients with minimal intervention.

You must speak with your treating practitioner to determine whether the Munchee would be an appropriate adjunct to your treatment/post-treatment protocol, as various appliances are used for a variety of reasons. Rather than think of it as a "this or that" try to look at the benefits of the Munchee such as muscle tone, oxygenation, and gum health to see if it is a good fit with your treatment.

Always rinse the Munchee before use. The Munchee can be submerged in freshly boiled water for 60 seconds to sterilise.

Ensure the Munchee is placed in the mouth with the "lips" indent/notch at the top. Always keep the lips closed around the Myo Munchee while chewing, this not only strengthens the muscles, but also prevents excessive wear on the appliance.

Keep your chewing even and on both sides, chewing excessively or exclusively on one side will weaken the Munchee.

Rinse after use in cold running water and dry thoroughly. Aim for 5mins of active chewing, twice a day as an ideal protocol to begin with.