Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda speaks to Shirley Gutkowski, a dental hygienist passionate about myofunctional therapy, about sleep apnea, the power of the tongue, and how airway improvements can change your life.

Throats aren’t just throats anymore—they’re airways! For those with headaches, TMJ pain, shoulder or neck aches, working with a myofunctional therapist may be the road to less pain. Shirley speaks to the importance of collaboration between dentists and myofunctional therapists, pointing out that most people in dentistry and speech pathology know very little about the airway! Improving the airway can significantly improve sleep apnea and other overlooked conditions that can be fatal. She discusses each step of the Primal Air intake process and how to know if it may be time to reach out. The prevalence of misinformation about diet and lifestyle has caused the modern face to shrink, and our airways are paying for it! This is not an episode to be missed.

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Key Takeaways:

• (1:48) From dental hygienist myofunctional therapist

• (10:01) How myofunctional therapy can improve sleep apnea

• (17:04) Differences and overlaps with speech pathology

• (20:01) Do you need a myofunctional therapist?

• (25:55) How an infant’s face changes

Guest Info:

• Primal Air LLC | website

• Primal Air LLC | Facebook

• For more information about Shirley’s book, More than a Kissing Spot: Your New Baby's Face, email her directly at primalairomt@gmail.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Optimizing radiation safety in dentistry: Clinical recommendations and regulatory considerations

• Marc Moeller, Managing Director of the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

• Collaboration Cures Conference

Connect With Us:

BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com | Instagram

DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram

Orasana.com | Instagram