Maxillary expansion and cavities

Have you noticed more people talking about the “airway epidemic”? It’s a phrase that’s showing up everywhere—but what does it really mean?

Let’s start at the very beginning. When a baby is born, one of the first things they must master is the suck–swallow–breathe synchrony. The tongue plays the starring role here. It not only helps create the suction needed for breastfeeding (by generating negative pressure to draw milk into the mouth), but it also protects the airway so the baby doesn’t choke. As the child grows, they transition into a more conscious swallowing pattern.

Here’s something many parents don’t realize: children need to use their muscles to grow bone. Paired with a nutrient-dense diet (yes, every single bite matters), this muscle activity drives proper development of the maxillary bone—the very structure that houses the teeth, forms the floor of the nose, and even supports the eyes.

For this growth to happen correctly, the tongue should naturally rest on the roof of the mouth while the lips remain closed, encouraging nasal breathing.

Now, here’s the undeniable truth: we are seeing an epidemic of malocclusion (misaligned bites) and cavities. And no—there is no gene for cavities or malocclusion. Decades ago, some believed underbites (class III malocclusion) had a genetic cause, but modern research has shown that these conditions are far more influenced by our industrialized diet than by DNA.

Why does this matter? Because malocclusion and cavities are connected. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, enamel wears down unevenly, and mouth breathing disrupts the oral microbiome—all of which increase the risk of decay.

So, if your child has malocclusion, what can you do—and when should you act?

👉 The earlier, the better. And it begins with breastfeeding. While “fed is best,” it’s important to highlight that breastfeeding doesn’t just nourish your baby and support gut health—it also plays a vital role in proper craniofacial development.

👉 A hard, nutrient-rich diet that encourages chewing is also critical for developing strong bones and muscles of the face.

👉 If the palate is narrow and vaulted, a maxillary palatal expander can support craniofacial growth. What matters most, however, is not the specific type or brand of expander your dentist uses—it’s the overall goal: growing your child’s face, not just straightening their teeth.

At the end of the day, tooth alignment is secondary. The real priority is supporting your child’s airway and craniofacial growth—because function always comes before aesthetics.

Resources:

• Rose J. et al. Interdisciplinary Analysis: Origins of Dental Crowding and Malocclusions – An Anthropological Perspective

• Robert Corrucini. How Anthropology Informs the Orthodontic Diagnosis of Malocclusion’s Cause

• Weston A. Price. Nutrition and Physical Degeneration

True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist