Many parents are concerned about their children’s teeth alignment as they grow. While it’s true that genetics play a part, did you know that your child’s everyday habits — like how they sit during meals or how they use their tongue — can have an even bigger impact on how their teeth develop?
This article explores how posture, particularly during meals, plays a key role in shaping your child’s oral development. From infancy, a child’s body and muscles are rapidly developing, and this includes the mouth, jaw, and tongue. Creating a supportive mealtime environment can make a big difference for the future.
Why Teeth Alignment Is Not Just About Genetics
Many people assume that crooked teeth or jaw issues are inherited.
However, recent studies suggest that around 70% of dental alignment issues are caused by daily habits, especially how the muscles in and around the mouth develop. The way your child sits, eats, and even breathes can affect the shape of their mouth and position of their teeth.
The Connection Between Posture and Oral Development
When a child slouches while eating or dangles their legs without foot support, it often leads to poor body stability. This lack of stability can prevent the tongue and jaw muscles from working properly. For example:
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The tongue should naturally rest on the upper palate when not in use.
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If your child habitually breathes through the mouth or has weak tongue muscles, the tongue may drop, causing an imbalance in oral pressure.
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Over time, this can lead to teeth pushing forward or out of place, even if the child originally had a good bite.
The Role of a Proper Chair: Supporting the Whole Body
Yamatoya emphasizes the importance of using a stable and adjustable high chair — like their Sukusuku GL Chair — which is designed to grow with your child and support them through every stage.
For good posture during meals, your child should:
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Sit upright with a straight back
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Have their knees bent at 90 degrees
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Keep their feet flat and supported
This setup creates a firm foundation for the upper body and allows the child to use their mouth muscles more effectively when chewing, swallowing, and even speaking.
Tips for Parents:
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Start Early: Posture and oral habits begin forming in infancy. It’s never too early to help your baby sit correctly during mealtime.
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Observe Your Child: Notice if they often lean to one side, swing their legs, or chew only on one side — these can all be signs that adjustments are needed.
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Create a Routine: Build healthy habits by encouraging proper posture at every meal and explaining why it’s important in an age-appropriate way.
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Use the Right Tools: Invest in chairs and utensils that suit your child’s size and support their natural growth.
Helping your child build a healthy foundation now will not only support proper teeth alignment, but also lead to better digestion, improved speech, and higher concentration during meals.
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About the Expert
Akari Yamagami – Dental Hygienist
Master Instructor at the Japan Association for Healthy Dental Development
Akari Yamagami graduated from Aichi Gakuin University in 2015 and worked as a dental hygienist for 8 years, while also raising her own child. Today, she teaches parents across Japan how to support natural and healthy teeth development in young children — aiming to prevent the need for braces later on. She is especially focused on helping families with children under 5, sharing practical tips to make parenting both easier and more enjoyable.
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sukusuku GL with safety chair belt YC-05
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We hope this blog offers a little support as you care for your child.
Best,
yamatoya global team,