Cheek Puffs Balloons Kids MFT exercise

This video is designed to help TMD patients of Da Vinci Dentistry in Canada recall the instructions given by Dr. Somin Kwon during the TMD assessment. Please do not follow it without proper guidance. More questions regarding TMD assessment & treatment, please contact us. Da Vinci Dentistry https://g.co/kgs/H4pHvvo Puffing the cheeks (also called the “cheek puff” or “balloon exercise”) is a simple but powerful Myofunctional Therapy (MFT) exercise, especially for children. It strengthens and rebalances the muscles around the mouth and supports correct swallowing, breathing, and oral posture. Here’s why it’s good for kids 👇 💪 1. Strengthens Lip and Cheek Muscles Puffing air into the cheeks activates the orbicularis oris (lip muscle) and buccinator (cheek muscles). These muscles must be strong and coordinated for: Keeping the lips closed at rest Controlling food and saliva inside the mouth Efficient swallowing without leakage 👅 2. Improves Oral Seal and Pressure Control When a child puffs their cheeks and holds the air, they learn how to maintain internal oral pressure and a proper lip seal. This teaches the body how to control the air and saliva flow — an essential part of a mature swallow pattern. 👃 3. Encourages Nasal Breathing While cheeks are puffed, the mouth must stay closed — so the child automatically breathes through the nose. Repeated practice helps them build nasal breathing habits, which are vital for Better oxygenation Healthy jaw and facial growth Reduced snoring or open-mouth posture 🧠 4. Improves Muscle Coordination and Awareness Puffing the cheeks requires the child to isolate facial muscles — keeping lips sealed while resisting the urge to release the air too soon. This builds neuromuscular control and awareness of how their lips, tongue, and cheeks should work together during rest and swallowing. 🦷 5. Balances Oral Muscles for Facial Development In children, proper cheek and lip muscle tone supports balanced facial growth. Overactive cheeks or weak lips can pull the jaws inward, while balanced strength promotes: A wider dental arch Proper tooth alignment Stable tongue posture on the palate 🫁 6. Makes Therapy Fun Kids enjoy puffing their cheeks like “balloons” — it feels playful! Fun, repetitive exercises increase compliance and make therapy more effective. - ✅ Summary Table: Function Benefit of Puff Cheek Exercise Lip seal Strengthens lips for closed-mouth rest Cheek control Trains buccinator to balance tongue pressure Airway Promotes nasal breathing Coordination Builds awareness of oral muscle use Growth Supports balanced facial and jaw development