Real Mom’s Guide to Why You Feel Like Crap All the Time
⚠️IMPORTANT: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. TMJ disorders can have multiple causes and may require professional evaluation. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment decisions. See full medical disclaimer at the end of this guide.
Hey Girl, Let’s Talk About Why You’re “Fine” But Also Dying Inside
So you’ve been told your stress is “all in your head,” right? That you just need to “manage your stress better” or maybe try some yoga? (Because if one more person tells me to just breathe deeply, I might lose it.)
Well, plot twist: What if I told you that your constant anxiety, teeth grinding, and that lovely feeling of being perpetually on edge might actually be because of how your mouth is shaped?
I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But stick with me here because this might just blow your mind AND finally give you answers that actually make sense.
Your bite, tongue position, and jaw development are literally affecting your ability to breathe properly. And when you can’t breathe properly, your nervous system thinks you’re dying and stays in full-blown panic mode. Which feels exactly like… you guessed it… anxiety.
So before you blame yourself for being “weak” or “high-maintenance,” let’s talk about what might really be going on.
Chapter 1: Why Your Mouth is Basically Running Your Life (And You Had No Idea)
The Plot Twist Nobody Saw Coming
Remember when we thought our mouths were just for eating and talking? (And maybe kissing if we’re lucky.) Turns out, your mouth is actually the CEO of your entire nervous system, and honey, it’s been making some questionable executive decisions.
Here’s the tea: When your mouth structure is wonky, it creates a domino effect that would make even the most dramatic soap opera jealous.
The Drama Unfolds Like This:
Scene 1: The Structural Issues
– Your bite is too deep
– Your palate is narrow and high (thanks again, modern life!)
– Your tongue literally has nowhere comfortable to hang out
Scene 2: The Breathing Crisis
– Your body says “Well, this is fine” and switches to mouth breathing
– Your oxygen levels drop just enough to trigger your inner drama queen (aka your nervous system)
– Sleep becomes this thing you used to do well
Scene 3: The Anxiety Plot Twist
– Your brain detects the oxygen situation and hits the panic button
– You feel anxious “for no reason” (spoiler: there IS a reason)
– Everyone tells you it’s stress while you’re literally just trying to breathe
Scene 4: The Vicious Cycle
– Anxiety makes you clench your jaw more
– Clenching makes breathing harder
– Worse breathing = more anxiety
– Rinse and repeat until you’re googling “why do I feel crazy”
Why This Gets Completely Missed
Because doctors are looking at your anxiety while dentists are looking at your teeth, and nobody’s looking at how they’re connected! It’s like having relationship problems but only talking to the marriage counselor about your Netflix preferences.
Chapter 2: Your Bite is Not Just About Looking Pretty
What the Heck is a “Deep Bite” Anyway?
Okay, so imagine your top teeth are like a really clingy friend who can’t give your bottom teeth any personal space. A deep bite means your upper teeth cover way too much of your lower teeth when you close your mouth – like more than 2-3mm, which in tooth world is basically suffocating.
This Creates a Hot Mess Because:
– Your mouth basically gets zero vertical space (your tongue is NOT happy about this)
– Your tongue gets pushed backward like it’s being evicted from its own home
– The space behind your tongue (aka your airway) gets squished
– Your body has to work harder for every single breath (exhausting much?)
The Ripple Effect is Real:
– Hello, mouth breathing (because your nose gives up)
– Goodbye, quality sleep (because breathing while lying down becomes an extreme sport)
– Your jaw muscles are working overtime (hence the morning headaches)
– Your stress hormones think it’s Black Friday every day (chaos!)
Your Tongue’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Your tongue is supposed to rest comfortably on the roof of your mouth like it’s lounging in a hammock. But with a deep bite? Your poor tongue is basically trying to fit into a studio apartment when it needs a two-bedroom house.
When your tongue can’t find its happy place:
1. It drops down (blocking your airway like a really inconsiderate roommate)
2. Your breathing becomes harder (your body is NOT amused)
3. Your nervous system starts freaking out (because apparently everything is an emergency now)
4. You feel anxious and don’t know why (because no one told you your tongue position affects your mood!)
The High, Narrow Palate Situation
Picture this: instead of having a nice, wide roof in your mouth (like a proper cathedral ceiling), you’ve got this narrow, peaked situation happening. It’s like trying to breathe through a straw when you really need a garden hose.
This Creates Issues Like:
– Your nasal passages get cramped (because apparently your nose didn’t get the memo about personal space)
– Chronic stuffiness becomes your new normal (mouth breathing, here we come!)
– Your tongue gets even MORE cramped (the poor thing can’t catch a break)
– Sinus drainage goes haywire (hello, constant throat clearing!)
Chapter 3: How Your Childhood Screwed You Over (But It’s Not Your Parents’ Fault)
The Modern Life Plot Twist
So here’s the thing – our grandparents didn’t have these problems nearly as much. Why? Because they were basically chewing tree bark as babies while we got mushy everything and sippy cups until we were five.
The Soft Food Conspiracy:
– Baby food that required zero chewing effort
– Sippy cups instead of regular cups (because spills are the enemy, right?)
– Processed foods that dissolve in your mouth
– Nobody had to work for their food, so jaw muscles were like “Why even try?”
The Oral Habit Hall of Fame:
– Pacifiers until kindergarten (we’ve all been there)
– Thumb sucking that went on wayyyy too long
– Mouth breathing because of constant allergies
– The tongue never learned its proper job description
Environmental Drama:
– Allergies from everything (thanks, modern world)
– Constant inflammation from processed foods
– Air quality that makes our poor noses give up
– Nobody teaching us proper tongue posture (because who knew that was a thing?)
What This Means for Adult You
By the time we’re adults, we’re basically stuck with:
• Jaws that didn’t get the memo about growing properly (not enough space for anything)
• Airways that are basically construction zones (narrow and problematic)
• TMJ joints that are overworked and underpaid** (hence the clicking and pain)
• your Muscles that are constantly tense (because they’re trying to keep you alive)
• Sleep that’s more like a wrestling match (with breathing as your opponent)
Chapter 4: Why Women Get the Short End of the Breathing Stick
The Unfair Gender Plot Twist
Ladies, we need to talk. Because apparently, having periods, childbirth, and the mental load of everything wasn’t enough – we also get to have our breathing problems misdiagnosed as “just anxiety.” Fun times!
How Our Sleep Issues Get Totally Missed
What Everyone Expects (AKA The Male Pattern):
– Loud snoring that wakes the neighbors
– Dramatic gasping and choking sounds
– Obvious breathing stops that even your dog notices
– Falling asleep standing up during the day
What We Actually Get:
– Anxiety that feels like we drank 47 cups of coffee
– Insomnia that makes us question our life choices
– Headaches that feel like our brain is staging a revolt
– Exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to fix
– Depression that everyone blames on “stress”
– Brain fog that makes us forget why we walked into rooms
The Medical Gaslighting Special
Here’s the fun part (and by fun, I mean rage-inducing): When we show up with these symptoms, we get:
• The Hormonal Explanation – “It’s probably just your period/pregnancy/menopause/Tuesday”
• The Stress Excuse – “You just need to manage your stress better” (because clearly we’re stress management failures)
• The Anxiety Diagnosis – “Have you tried meditation?” (If I had a dollar for every time…)
• The Sleep Hygiene Lecture – “Just practice better sleep habits” (thanks, never thought of that!)
Meanwhile, the real problem – that we literally cannot breathe properly – gets completely ignored.
The Hormone Connection (Because Of Course There Is One)
Our hormones (estrogen and progesterone) actually help keep our airway muscles strong. So when they fluctuate:
– Premenstrual Week: Breathing gets worse, anxiety spikes (and we blame PMS)
– Pregnancy: Need more oxygen but breathing gets harder (the irony!)
– Perimenopause/Menopause: Everything falls apart and we’re told it’s “just aging”
No wonder we feel crazy! Our bodies are literally struggling to get enough oxygen, but everyone’s treating it like we’re just being dramatic.
Chapter 5: Breaking the Cycle (AKA How to Stop Feeling Like Garbage)
Signs Your Breathing is Actually the Problem
You might be dealing with structural breathing issues if you:
Wake Up Feeling Like You Got Hit by a Truck:
– Jaw pain or headaches in the morning (your mouth had a fight with itself all night)
– Dry mouth that feels like the Sahara desert
– Need 47 pillows to breathe comfortably
– Feel like you didn’t sleep even though you were unconscious for 8 hours
Feel Anxious for “No Reason”:
– Constant feeling of being on edge (like you’re waiting for bad news)
– Can’t take a deep, satisfying breath (no matter how hard you try)
– Panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere
– Feel worse when lying down (because gravity is not your friend)
Have Physical Symptoms That Make No Sense:
– Grind your teeth like you’re trying to start a fire
– Chronic neck and shoulder tension (because everything’s overworking)
– Clear your throat constantly (because drainage is a mess)
– Get headaches that feel like your brain is too big for your skull
Your Sleep is a Disaster:
– Take forever to fall asleep (because your body can’t relax)
– Wake up multiple times (because your brain thinks you’re dying)
– Move around all night like you’re choreographing a dance
– Snore sometimes but not consistently (the “quiet” sleep apnea)
What Actually Helps (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Meditation)
Professional Solutions That Address the Root Cause:
– Airway-focused dentistry (yes, this is a real thing!) that uses CBCT scans to see what’s actually happening
– Orthodontic expansion to give your tongue a proper place to live
– Functional appliances that help your jaw find its happy place
– Myofunctional therapy to retrain your tongue and breathing (like physical therapy for your mouth)
Medical Support That Actually Gets It:
– Sleep studies that look beyond just “do you snore loudly?”
– ENT doctors who understand airway issues in women
– Hormone optimization that considers breathing patterns
– Stress management that includes fixing the physical problems
What You Can Start Doing Right Now (While You Find Real Help)
Breathing Bootcamp:
– Practice breathing through your nose ALL day (mouth tape at night if you’re brave)
– Try breath work that actually calms your nervous system (not just “breathe deeply”)
– Notice when you hold your breath and gently start again
Tongue Training (Yes, Really):
– Practice resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth (like you’re making a soft “N” sound)
– Notice when it drops and gently put it back home
– Do tongue exercises that strengthen proper posture (there are apps for this!)
Sleep Setup for Success:
– Sleep on your side instead of your back (gravity becomes helpful instead of evil)
– Use a pillow that keeps your head in a neutral position
– Create a bedroom environment that supports deep breathing (cool, dark, quiet)
Chapter 6: Technology to the Rescue (Because We Live in the Future)
Why Apps Actually Work for This Stuff
Look, I know everyone’s trying to sell you an app for everything (including apps to remind you to breathe, which is kind of insulting to our basic human functions). But here’s the thing – when it comes to retraining breathing and tongue patterns, consistent daily practice actually works better than sporadic “I’ll try harder” attempts.
MyoFit Pro Gets It Because:
It’s Like Having a Therapist for Your Mouth:
– Personalized exercises that actually address YOUR specific issues
– Video demonstrations so you don’t have to guess if you’re doing it right
– Progress tracking that shows you’re not imagining improvements
– Gentle reminders that don’t make you feel guilty (because mom guilt is already a full-time job)
It Fits Into Real Life:
– 10-15 minute daily sessions that fit between coffee and getting kids ready
– Exercises you can do anywhere (even in your car during school pickup)
– No need to remember complex routines (because we already have enough to remember)
– Builds habits gradually without overwhelming your already chaotic schedule
It Actually Helps:
– Tongue strengthening that gives your airway more space
– Breathing retraining that calms your nervous system
– Sleep optimization that doesn’t require a complete life overhaul
– TMJ support for when your jaw is having a tantrum
It Tracks What Matters:
– How you’re sleeping (quality, not just quantity)
– Anxiety levels over time (so you can see if things are actually improving)
– Exercise completion (without the shame spiral if you miss a day)
– Symptoms that might be related to breathing (connecting dots you never knew existed)
Why Consistency Beats Perfection
Research shows that doing something small every day works way better than doing something big occasionally. (Kind of like how walking 20 minutes daily beats doing a 5-hour gym session once a
month and then hating yourself.)
With MyoFit Pro, you can:
– Build new habits without feeling overwhelmed
– Get immediate feedback so you know you’re on the right track
– See progress over time (which is super motivating when you’re feeling stuck)
– Have support when you’re confused or struggling
Chapter 7: Your Action Plan (Because Knowledge Without Action is Just Fancy Procrastination)
Step 1: Admit This Might Actually Be Your Problem
I know it sounds weird. “My anxiety is because of my tongue?” But hear me out – you’ve probably tried everything else, right? Therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, essential oils, crystals, that cleanse your sister swore by…
What if the answer was literally right under your nose this whole time?
Step 2: Get MyoFit Pro and Start TODAY
Look, I could tell you to wait until you find the perfect airway dentist (which might take months) or until you have time to research every option (spoiler: you’ll never have time). OR you could download the app right now and start working on the problem today.
Here’s why starting with the app makes sense:
– It’s immediate (no waiting for appointments)
– It’s affordable (cheaper than one therapy session)
– It addresses the root cause (not just symptoms)
– It gives you data to take to professionals later
– It starts improving things while you’re figuring out the bigger picture
Step 3: Find Your Dream Team
While you’re working on exercises, start looking for:
– An airway-focused dentist who can do a CBCT scan and actually look at your breathing space
– A sleep doctor who understands that women’s sleep issues look different
– A myofunctional therapist if you want extra support with exercises
Step 4: Track Everything
Use the app to monitor:
– How you’re sleeping (quality and how you feel in the morning)
– Your anxiety levels throughout the day
– Any improvements in jaw pain, headaches, or breathing
– Progress with exercises (celebrate the small wins!)
Step 5: Be Patient But Persistent
Your breathing patterns and tongue posture have been developing for YEARS. They’re not going to change overnight. But most people start noticing improvements within a few weeks of consistent practice.
Think of it like learning to drive – it felt impossible at first, but now you do it without thinking. Same thing with proper breathing and tongue posture.
The Bottom Line (Because You’re Busy and Need the TL;DR Version)
Your anxiety, insomnia, jaw pain, and that constant feeling of being “off” might not be character flaws or signs that you’re weak. They might be symptoms of a breathing problem that nobody thought to check for.
Your bite, tongue position, and jaw development affect how well you can breathe. When you can’t breathe efficiently, your nervous system stays in panic mode, which feels exactly like anxiety and stress.
Women’s breathing issues get misdiagnosed constantly because we don’t present with the “typical” male symptoms. Instead of loud snoring, we get anxiety. Instead of obvious breathing stops, we get insomnia. Instead of daytime sleepiness, we get depression and brain fog.
The good news? This is fixable. Not with more meditation or stress management (though those don’t hurt), but by addressing the actual physical problem.
Your next step? Download MyoFit Pro right now. Start the exercises today. Begin tracking your symptoms. Finally understand that you’re not imagining things and you’re not weak – you just need to breathe better.
Your nervous system has been working overtime trying to compensate for structural problems. It’s time to give it the support it needs to finally relax.
Stop blaming yourself. Start breathing better. Begin feeling human again.
Take Action Right Now (Seriously, Right Now)
Download MyoFit Pro – because you deserve to breathe easily, sleep peacefully, and feel calm in your own body. The tools exist to help you get there. You just need to know where to look.
*Available on iOS and Android*
*Free trial*
*Because feeling like garbage is not a personality trait*
IMPORTANT MEDICAL AND LEGAL DISCLAIMER PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE Educational Purpose Only This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional healthcare guidance. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed healthcare provider or other medical professional. No Doctor-Patient Relationship Reading this guide does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Kathleen Schuster, Magnolia Ridge Dentistry, or any other healthcare provider mentioned herein. For personalized medical advice regarding your specific TMJ condition, you must consult with qualified healthcare providers who can examine you and review your complete medical history. Individual Medical Situations Every person’s TMJ condition is unique and complex. The information in this guide cannot account for all possible medical conditions, complications, contraindications, or individual variations. What may be appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another. TMJ disorders can have multiple underlying causes requiring different treatments. Professional Medical Evaluation Required All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers who can evaluate your specific situation. This includes decisions about whether the approaches described are appropriate for your condition, timing of interventions, and coordination with other treatments. Never discontinue prescribed medications or cancel scheduled medical procedures based solely on information in this guide. Emergency Medical Situations Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience: – Jaw locking open or closed that cannot be resolved – Severe, sudden onset jaw pain – Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus) – Difficulty swallowing or breathing – Severe headaches with neurological symptoms – Any other symptoms suggesting a medical emergency Do not delay seeking emergency care based on information in this guide. Scope of Practice Dr. Kathleen Schuster is a licensed dentist practicing functional and airway-focused dentistry. The scope of practice for dentistry is defined by state licensing boards and professional organizations. Nothing in this guide should be construed as practice outside the appropriate scope of dental practice or as providing medical care in areas requiring other medical specialties. Technique Safety and Contraindications The techniques described in this guide are generally considered safe for most adults. However, certain medical conditions may contraindicate these approaches, including but not limited to: – Recent jaw surgery or trauma – Acute TMJ inflammation or infection – Certain autoimmune conditions affecting joints – Blood clotting disorders – Pregnancy (for some manual techniques) – Active cancer treatment affecting the head/neck area If you have any medical conditions or take medications, consult your healthcare provider before beginning any exercises or techniques described in this
guide. Kinesiology Tape Considerations Taping techniques should not be used by individuals with: – Known tape or adhesive allergies – Open wounds or skin conditions in the application area – Compromised circulation – Diabetes with neuropathy – Pregnancy (without physician approval) Always test tape on a small skin area before full application. Results and Expectations Individual results may vary significantly. The timeframes and outcomes described represent typical responses but are not guaranteed. Some individuals may require longer treatment periods, professional intervention, or may not respond to these approaches. Factors affecting results include severity of condition, duration of symptoms, compliance with protocols, overall health status, and underlying anatomical factors. Limitation of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dr. Kathleen Schuster and all associated entities disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or relating to the use of this guide or the information contained herein. Updates and Changes Medical knowledge evolves continuously. This guide reflects knowledge available at the time of creation but may become outdated as new research emerges. This guide may be updated periodically, but users are responsible for seeking current information from qualified healthcare providers. Jurisdiction and Governing Law This disclaimer and any disputes arising from the use of this guide shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, United States. Any legal proceedings related to this guide or its contents shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the appropriate courts in Texas. Acknowledgment By reading and using this guide, you acknowledge that: – You have read and understood this entire disclaimer – You agree to use the information for educational purposes only – You will seek appropriate professional medical advice for all healthcare decisions – You understand the limitations and risks associated with the information provided – You will not rely solely on this guide for medical decision-making Contact Information for Questions If you have questions about this disclaimer or need clarification about any aspect of the information provided, please consult with qualified healthcare providers before using any information from this guide. Last Updated: January 2025 © 2025 Magnolia Ridge Dentistry. All rights reserved.
