TO YOUR HEALTH
For Better Breathing, Look To Better Oral Health
development and — you guessed it — oxygen intake. 6RWKHQH[WTXHVWLRQLVZKDWLVFDXVLQJWKHXQGHUGHYHORSPHQW" 7KHHDUO\UHVHDUFKDQGVWXGLHVRI'U:HVWRQ$3ULFH''6VKRZVLVR - lated, primitive people and tribes around the world to have beautiful broad jaws and perfectly straight teeth, free from decay (Source: Price, :$ 3ULFH3RWWHQJHU1XWULWLRQ)RXQGDWLRQ 1XWULWLRQ DQG 3K\VLFDO 'HJHQHUDWLRQ /D0HVD &$ 3ULFH3RWWHQJHU Nutrition Foundation). In today’s modern society, braces, retainers, crowded teeth, malocclusion (crooked teeth, or abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth), jaw pain, wisdom tooth extractions, and sleep DSQHDDUHWKHQRUP5HFHQWHYLGHQFHVXJJHVWVFKDQJHVLQDJULFXOWXUH VHGHQWDU\ OLIHVW\OH DQG LQGXVWULDOL]DWLRQ DUH WREODPH IRU RXU VPDOO - er jaws, not genetics. (Source: 3XEPHGQFELQOPQLKJRY ) Over the years, the human diet has softened, and we are no longer eat- ing the diet of our ancestors, one that is rich in minerals and fat-solu- ble vitamins. With changes in cooking techniques, and inventions like processed foods, pouches for kids, and protein shakes, we are no lon- ger chewing our food to acquire adequate nutrition. ,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHH̆HFWVRIFKDQJHVLQWKHKXPDQGLHWRYHUWKH\HDUV tongue positioning can have a huge impact on jaw and airway devel- opment. The tongue is an incredibly strong muscle, so its placement is essential to the development of the jaws. Because the tongue and other facial muscles guide and stimulate proper growth and forma- tion, abnormal functions of these muscles, which can come as a result of habits — like improper swallowing, thumb sucking, prolonged use RI D SDFL¿HUPRXWK EUHDWKLQJ WHHWK JULQGLQJ DQG LQFRUUHFW WRQJXH posture — can have a negative impact on growth. And many people are unaware there is an optimal tongue resting posture: lips together,
“. . . the perfect antidote for dog lovers seeking a more conscious and enlightened way to train their canine companions.” —Tammy Billups, certified interface therapist, teacher, and author of Soul Healing with Our Animal Companions 7RXQGHUVWDQGKRZWKHVL]HRIWKHMDZVDQGPRXWKFDQD̆HFWWKHDLU - way and breathing, it is helpful to look at the connection between the mouth and surrounding structures. The upper jaw (maxilla) is not just a bone that holds teeth; it is the entire central portion of the face. This bone provides the bone structure for the nasal passage, sinuses, hard palate, teeth, and even the eye sockets. This makes development of the maxilla critical to the structure and function of the mouth, upper airway, and face. Because the jaws and airways are essentially a con- nected system, jaw structure and positioning are essential to airway BY SARAH PHILPOTT A human can survive up to three days without water, but only three minutes without air, making oxygen arguably the most important ele- ment to life. Because breathing is life, and not getting enough oxygen into the body can be detrimental to overall health and quality of life, LW¶VLPSRUWDQWWRXQGHUVWDQGKRZR[\JHQD̆HFWVPDQ\V\VWHPVRIWKH ERG\DQGKRZWRRSWLPL]HIXQFWLRQDOEUHDWKLQJ 7KRXJKPDQ\IDFWRUVFDQLPSDFWR[\JHQLQWDNHMDZDQGDLUZD\VL]H can be huge contributing factors, and they are often overlooked. Air- ZD\)RFXVHG'HQWLVWU\LVDJURZLQJ¿HOGWKDWIRFXVHVRQPRXWKVWUXF - ture and the impact it has on breathing. An underdeveloped airway is determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration informa- WLRQSURYLGHGE\'LPDJLQJFOLQLFDOH[DPPHGLFDODQGGHQWDOKLVWR - ry, and patient interview. By examining the relationship between oral health and systemic health, as well as how underdeveloped mouth and airway structures can wreak havoc throughout the body, an airway-fo- cused dental approach can help get to the root cause and eliminate symptoms.
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66—PATHWAYS—Spring 22
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