MyoTape Kids – A Professional Solution for Healthy Breathing Habits in Children

Introduction to MyoTape Kids

Correct breathing is one of the most fundamental aspects of child health and development. While nasal breathing ensures proper oxygenation and craniofacial growth, many children develop the habit of breathing through the mouth. This may result from chronic nasal obstruction, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or simply acquired habits. Mouth breathing in children can have significant consequences, including alterations in facial development, poor sleep quality, increased risk of dental caries, and difficulties with concentration and learning.

MyoTape Kids was specifically designed to help children adopt correct nasal breathing patterns. Unlike conventional adhesive mouth tapes, which are unsafe for children, MyoTape Kids gently surrounds the lips without sealing them completely. This unique design allows children to breathe comfortably, maintain lip closure, and develop healthy breathing habits in a safe and non-invasive way.

This article provides an in-depth overview of MyoTape Kids, explaining its science, benefits, clinical applications, and why it should be considered an essential tool for healthcare professionals working in paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, myofunctional therapy, and sleep medicine.

The Science Behind MyoTape Kids

MyoTape Kids was developed by breathing expert Patrick McKeown, with the goal of creating a safe and child-friendly alternative to generic mouth taping. Its elastic structure gently supports the lips, encouraging closure while leaving a central area open so the child can still part their lips and breathe through the mouth if needed.

The principle is based on reinforcing nasal breathing, which plays a critical role in children’s development:

• Proper craniofacial growth – Nasal breathing supports correct tongue posture and maxillofacial development.

• Improved oxygen exchange – Breathing through the nose optimises oxygen uptake.

• Nitric oxide production – Supporting immune function and vascular health.

• Better sleep – Preventing fragmented sleep caused by mouth breathing.

By guiding the child towards correct breathing patterns, MyoTape Kids strengthens orofacial muscles and supports long-term oral and systemic health.

Key Benefits of MyoTape Kids

Supporting Nasal Breathing in Children

MyoTape Kids provides a safe way to help children establish nasal breathing as their default pattern. This is especially relevant for children who:

• Habitually breathe through the mouth during the day or night.

• Present with open mouth posture.

• Are undergoing orthodontic treatment that requires functional breathing support.

Promoting Healthy Sleep and Reducing Snoring

Mouth breathing during sleep is common in children and can lead to snoring, restless nights, and even behavioural problems due to poor sleep quality. By encouraging nasal breathing, MyoTape Kids reduces snoring, supports restorative sleep, and enhances concentration and learning during the day.

Complementing Myofunctional Therapy in Children

Myofunctional therapy is increasingly prescribed for paediatric patients with tongue posture, swallowing, or breathing issues. MyoTape Kids is an ideal adjunct, as it helps children apply therapy principles at home in a practical and playful way.

Therapists and dentists often recommend it as a daily support tool to reinforce correct oral posture between therapy sessions.

Supporting Oral Health and Development

Chronic mouth breathing in children is associated with:

• Malocclusions such as open bite and narrow palate.

• Increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to dry mouth.

• Altered speech development and articulation issues.

By encouraging nasal breathing, MyoTape Kids protects against these risk factors and promotes harmonious oral and facial development.

How MyoTape Kids Works in Practice

1. Application – The tape is placed gently around the lips, leaving a central opening that ensures the child can still open the mouth.

2. Adaptation – Children are encouraged to wear MyoTape Kids for short periods during the day before progressing to night-time use.

3. Night-time support – Once accustomed, children can use the tape while sleeping, benefiting from uninterrupted nasal breathing.

4. Therapy integration – Dentists and therapists may combine MyoTape Kids with orthodontic or myofunctional programs for optimal results.

The product uses hypoallergenic adhesive, designed to minimise skin irritation and ensure safe paediatric use.

MyoTape Kids in Clinical Contexts

Applications in Paediatric Dentistry

Dentists often identify mouth breathing in children and its impact on occlusion and oral health. MyoTape Kids is increasingly recommended as part of preventive strategies.

Applications include:

• Orthodontics – Supporting oral posture and reducing the risk of relapse.

• Preventive care – Protecting against caries and periodontal issues.

• Growth guidance – Promoting correct craniofacial development through nasal breathing.

Applications in Paediatric Sleep Medicine

Mouth breathing at night can interfere with sleep quality and even contribute to sleep-disordered breathing in children. MyoTape Kids can be used alongside professional treatment plans to:

• Reduce snoring and restless sleep.

• Improve sleep efficiency and energy levels.

• Support behavioural and cognitive performance during the day.

Applications in Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial myologists and therapists often prescribe MyoTape Kids as part of therapy plans for:

• Incorrect swallowing patterns.

• Tongue posture training.

• Breathing retraining programs.

MyoTape Kids ensures that therapy goals are reinforced outside the clinic in a safe and consistent way.

Frequently Asked Questions about MyoTape Kids

Is MyoTape Kids safe for children to use at night?
Yes. Its design leaves a central area open, ensuring that children can part their lips if necessary. It is specifically engineered for paediatric use, unlike generic mouth tapes.

At what age can children start using MyoTape Kids?
It is suitable for children aged 4 years and older, always under the supervision of a parent or healthcare professional.

Does MyoTape Kids replace orthodontic treatment?
No. MyoTape Kids is an adjunctive tool that supports therapy and treatment outcomes. It does not replace orthodontic appliances or medical treatment.

Will children accept wearing MyoTape Kids?
Most children adapt quickly. It is recommended to introduce it gradually during the day, turning it into a positive and comfortable experience.

Why Choose MyoTape Kids for Your Patients?

For healthcare professionals, MyoTape Kids represents a safe, evidence-based, and child-friendly tool to correct dysfunctional breathing patterns. It is easy to integrate into treatment plans and provides benefits that extend beyond dentistry.

Its key advantages include:

• Safe design, specifically adapted for children.

• Strong support for orthodontic and myofunctional therapy.

• Prevention of long-term oral health problems linked to mouth breathing.

• Contribution to better sleep and improved cognitive performance.

By incorporating MyoTape Kids into paediatric care, dentists and therapists empower families to address mouth breathing early and prevent long-term complications.

MyoTape Kids is more than just a paediatric mouth tape. It is a scientifically designed solution that supports nasal breathing, fosters healthy craniofacial growth, and improves sleep quality in children. For healthcare professionals, it represents an invaluable adjunct to orthodontic, dental, and myofunctional therapy protocols.

By helping children establish correct breathing patterns early, MyoTape Kids sets the foundation for lifelong health, optimal oral development, and improved quality of life.