Jaws by Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich
Ever notice how most kids now need orthodontic treatment? Our jaws and faces aren’t growing like they used to.
Jaws, written by an orthodontist and an evolutionist, tells of the effects that our modern, soft, processed diet and indoor lifestyle have on our facial growth, development, and health.
Our ancestors had wide jaws with enough room for their wisdom teeth. They did not have cavities or suffer from sleep apnea. They had a very different lifestyle than the one we have today.
Foods like broccoli, carrots, and steak require more chewing than baby food purees, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes. When we eat foods that take longer to chew, we work our facial muscles and that creates stronger, larger jaws. Not only is that important so we have room for our permanent teeth, but it also creates an open airway and better breathing.
Living indoors has lead to intake of more cycled air and exposure to allergens. Frequent congestion is now an issue. This congestion makes it harder to breathe through the nose like we are designed to. Mouthbreathing effects the way the face grows and leads to narrower jaws, crooked teeth, a longer face, and low energy.
Smaller jaws and a smaller airway can lead to sleep apnea, cardiovascular problems, behavioral issues, cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc.
Excerpt from Jaws
So what can you do about?
According to Kahn & Ehrlich
Breastfeed & avoid bottle feeding
Feed babies real food (not purees)
Chew food 20x per bite
Have good posture
Breathe thru your nose
Address snoring or sleep issues
Orthodontics that focuses on foreword growth and the airway
Question recommendations to remove teeth for braces
Adult expansion appliances (Vivos DNA)
