From Baby to Big Kid: How Oral Development Affects Growth with Mel Van Schelven

In this episode, Rebecca from Rural Child Health chats with Mel from The Face Place, an Oral Health Therapist & Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, about the often overlooked yet critical role of oral function in children’s health.

What You’ll Learn:

• What an Oral Health Therapist & Orofacial Myologist does
• Why mouth breathing isn’t normal – and what it means for your child
• How oral function affects sleep, digestion, posture, and more
• The connection between tongue ties, feeding, and development
• The truth about crowded teeth – it’s NOT just genetics!
• How early assessment & intervention can prevent lifelong issues
• Mel also shares details on her upcoming parent education program to help families navigate concerns like tongue ties, mouth breathing, and oral function with confidence.

Resources & Links:

📌 Mel’s Podcast: The Face Place Podcast (Available on Spotify, Apple, Google)

📌 Free Download: Understanding Oral ties

📌 Find Mel online: https://www.thefaceplaceofm.com.au/ or instagram

 🎧 Listen in and discover why oral health is about more than just teeth—it’s the foundation of lifelong wellness!