Top 10 Book Recommendations for Myofunctional Therapy, Airway Health & Early Intervention
Curated recommendations to help you better understand sleep-disordered breathing, early intervention, and the power of myofunctional therapy.
Whether you’re a provider expanding your toolbox, a parent searching for answers, or simply someone passionate about airway health, finding trustworthy, insightful resources can be overwhelming.
Over the years, I’ve collected and shared dozens of books with families, colleagues, and fellow professionals. This list features the top books that consistently deliver clarity, clinical value, and hope, covering everything from myofunctional therapy to tongue-ties, sleep-disordered breathing, and early intervention strategies.
From science-packed page-turners to engaging books for kids, here’s your go-to guide for learning more about the mouth-body connection and why it matters more than ever.
🌟 1. Breathe by James Nestor
Why You Should Read It:
This New York Times bestseller bridges science and storytelling. Nestor takes readers on a fascinating journey through the science of breathing and its deep connection to health, posture, and sleep. It’s a must-read primer that will radically change how you think about breathing.
📌 Perfect for: Parents, wellness professionals, and clinicians alike.
💬 2. Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic by Sandra Kahn & Paul Ehrlich
Why You Should Read It:
The title says it all. This is a wake-up call to the dental and medical world. Kahn (an orthodontist) and Ehrlich (a biologist) explain how our modern lifestyles have led to an epidemic of underdeveloped jaws and compromised airways. It's a game-changer for understanding the role of early intervention.
📌 Perfect for: Orthodontists, pediatric dentists, myofunctional therapists.
🛏 3. Sleep-Wrecked Kids by Sharon Moore
Why You Should Read It:
Written by a speech pathologist and myofunctional therapist, this book empowers parents and practitioners to identify red flags of poor sleep and breathing in children. It’s packed with real-world strategies and communication tools.
📌 Perfect for: Parents, speech-language pathologists, ENTs.
🌀 4. The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown
Why You Should Read It:
An expert in Buteyko breathing, McKeown explains how breathing properly through the nose (not mouth!) affects everything from sleep to sports performance. While not solely focused on kids, it lays a foundation for understanding dysfunctional breathing.
📌 Perfect for: Fitness professionals, coaches, adults with sleep issues.
👶 5. Tongue-Tied by Dr. Richard Baxter
Why You Should Read It:
This is the ultimate clinician’s guide to diagnosing and treating tethered oral tissues (TOTs), including tongue and lip ties. Dr. Baxter is a well-known authority in the field, and in this book, he explains the connections between oral restrictions, feeding, speech, sleep, and development.
📌 Perfect for: Pediatric dentists, IBCLCs, myofunctional therapists, SLPs, and parents seeking answers.
🔬 6. GASP: Airway Health – The Hidden Path to Wellness by Dr. Michael Gelb & Dr. Howard Hindin
Why You Should Read It:
A blend of integrative dentistry, sleep medicine, and wellness, GASP opens your eyes to how airway-centered disorders affect total-body health. The authors advocate for a collaborative approach between professionals.
📌 Perfect for: Holistic practitioners, airway dentists, sleep specialists.
🧠 7. Breathe, Sleep, Thrive by Dr. Shereen Lim
Why You Should Read It:
This book delivers an actionable roadmap to healthier sleep, breathing, and facial development from infancy through adolescence. Dr. Lim blends science, case studies, and clinical wisdom to advocate for early airway intervention and a multidisciplinary approach.
📌 Perfect for: Airway-aware parents, dentists, myofunctional therapists, and sleep health advocates.
🐅 8. Six-Foot Tiger, Three-Foot Cage by Dr. Felix Liao
Why You Should Read It:
This metaphor-packed book explains how a “six-foot tiger” (your tongue) is trapped in a “three-foot cage” (a small or underdeveloped jaw). This leads to a cascade of airway, pain, and sleep problems. Dr. Liao explores the connection between dental structure and systemic wellness in a way that’s both clinical and relatable.
📌 Perfect for: Integrative dentists, TMD specialists, patients with chronic symptoms, and anyone exploring root-cause airway issues.
🛠 9. Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker
Why You Should Read It:
A groundbreaking exploration of how sleep affects our health, brain function, immune system, and emotional regulation. Dr. Walker, a neuroscientist and leading sleep expert, breaks down decades of research into a powerful narrative that makes the science engaging and accessible. His insights underscore how chronic sleep deprivation can lead to everything from poor behavior and impaired learning to serious long-term health consequences. This book will transform the way you view sleep and make a strong case for the vital importance of early interventions.
📌 Perfect for: Healthcare providers, parents, educators, therapists, and anyone looking to understand the science behind sleep and its profound impact on health and development.
🧠 10. Sleep Interrupted by Dr. Steven Y. Park
Why You Should Read It:
This book explores the intersections between sleep-disordered breathing and modern chronic illness, focusing on the root causes. It’s especially good for adults trying to connect the dots in their own health journey.
📌 Perfect for: Adults with undiagnosed SDB, ENTs, and functional medicine doctors.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
These books aren’t just for reading - they’re for reframing everything we thought we knew about health, sleep, and development.
Whether you're a parent trying to help your child, a therapist building your knowledge, or a medical professional expanding your practice, this list is your airway-focused bookshelf starter pack.
