The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast Sheree Wertz

In this episode of the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, we welcome back Shirley Gutkowski, a renowned figure in the dental hygiene field with decades of experience.

Shirley is an Oral Facial Myofunctional Therapist at Primal Air and is passionate about addressing under-discussed issues like snoring, sleep apnea, and early childhood oral health. We delve into the importance of early intervention for oral issues, the collaboration among dental professionals, and Shirley's upcoming book, "More Than Just a Kissing Spot: Your New Baby's Space."

Key Takeaways:

-Importance of identifying and addressing oral issues like tongue ties and improper latch in infancy to prevent long-term health problems.
-Dental hygienists are trained to focus on prevention, but systemic constraints often limit their ability to perform preventive care. More autonomy for dental hygienists could improve patient outcomes.
-The healthcare system often prioritizes symptom management over preventive care, leading to undiagnosed conditions like sleep apnea and untreated issues such as tongue ties.
-Parents, especially mothers, should trust their instincts and persist in seeking proper care for their children, even if it means consulting multiple specialists.
-Effective treatment often involves collaboration among various healthcare providers, including myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, and dental professionals.
-There's a need for more education and professional curiosity in the field to address and research these under-discussed issues, particularly in degree completion and postgraduate programs.

Learn More About Shirley
Website: https://primalair.com/about-us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirdent7

Book a consultation today:
I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.
https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Are you or someone you love struggling to get a good night's sleep? Do you wake up feeling groggy, with a dry mouth, or perhaps even a headache? If so, you're not alone. Many people wrestle with sleep issues, and one potential solution that's gaining attention is mouth taping.
Mouth taping involves placing a piece of tape over the mouth before sleeping, encouraging nasal breathing throughout the night. While it may seem unconventional, there's growing evidence supporting its efficacy in improving sleep quality.

Snoring is a common issue that disrupts sleep for both the snorer and their partner. Breathing through an open mouth exacerbates snoring by drying out and narrowing the airways, leading to turbulence in the nose, mouth, and throat. This turbulence creates the disruptive noise associated with snoring, making bedtime a challenge. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing practice of mouth taping and its potential to revolutionize your sleep quality.

Key Takeaways:

-Mouth taping encourages nasal breathing, which has numerous benefits for sleep and overall health.
-Nasal breathing promotes deeper, more restorative sleep, reduces snoring, and helps prevent dry mouth and associated oral health issues.
-Mouth taping helps decrease or eliminate disruptive snoring by promoting nasal breathing.
-Nasal breathing maintains oral moisture and pH balance, reducing the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
-By keeping the mouth closed, mouth taping helps maintain a healthy oral environment and prevents dry mouth-related discomfort.
-Nasal breathing increases nitric oxide production, aiding in oxygen absorption and improving breathing efficiency.
-Nasal breathing engages the diaphragm more deeply, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure.


Book a consultation today:
I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.
https://shereewertz.com/15-min

When you sleep, do you breathe through your mouth or through your nose? Many of us have never given this question any thought. In this episode, we're tackling a seemingly harmless habit that actually packs a punch when it comes to your health: breathing through your mouth while you sleep. We'll break down what exactly mouth breathing is, how it can seriously mess with your well-being, and most importantly, what you can do to stop it and improve your sleep and overall health. So, if you've ever wondered why you wake up feeling groggy or with a dry mouth, this episode is for you. Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

-How a person can tell if they are mouth breathing at night.
-Discover how mouth breathing affects your sleep quality, leading to issues like snoring, dry mouth, and reduced restorative sleep.
-Mouth breathing at night is associated with a multitude of issues that affect everything from daily energy levels to long-term health.
-Understand the broader health consequences of chronic mouth breathing, including dental hygiene deterioration and increased risk of respiratory illnesses.
-Learn about the physiological benefits of nose breathing, including improved nitric oxide production, stress reduction, and better oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange.
-Constantly waking up feeling congested is another common problem associated with breathing through your mouth while you sleep.
- By finding a way to keep your mouth closed while you sleep, there’s a very good chance that your snoring will disappear.
-The parasympathetic response, also known as the “relaxation response,” is a physiological response that can help counteract the negative effects of the body’s “fight or flight” response.
- When you breathe out of your mouth, you are actually expelling too much carbon dioxide.
-If you use a CPAP device for sleep apnea, discover why mouth breathing can undermine its effectiveness and what solutions are available.
- Somnifix Strips gently hold your lips together while you sleep, preventing you from mouth breathing and facilitating nose breathing instead.

Book a consultation today:
I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.
https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Today, we're joined by Rachel Ely, a mom of four and founder of Nourished Mom Wellness. Rachel's journey to becoming a nutrition coach began with her own struggles with weight after having children With her compassionate approach, Rachel dives into her personal journey of reclaiming wellness after facing the challenges of postpartum weight gain.

As a fellow mom, Rachel understands the struggles and pressures we all face in balancing health and family. Through her story, she offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for incorporating healthy habits into our busy lives. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to prioritize your well-being, because, just like Rachel, you deserve to feel your best!

Key Takeaways:
-Embrace small, sustainable changes rather than aiming for a total lifestyle overhaul.
-Find strategies to navigate busy schedules, such as meal prepping and utilizing grocery delivery services.
-Adopt a balanced approach to nutrition, focusing on macros and the plate method.
-Seek enjoyable forms of exercise and accountability to stay on track with wellness goals.

Connect with Rachel
Email: rely71011@gmail.com
Website: https://www.rachelelycoaching.com/
Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/nourishedmomwellness/

Book a consultation today:
I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.
https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Today, we're thrilled to host Darlene, a remarkable individual with a powerful story of healing following a cancer diagnosis. With a rich background in early childhood education spanning over 25 years, Darlene has transitioned into a passionate advocate for wellness.

She emphasizes the significance of attuning to our bodies and nurturing our energy for holistic well-being. Let's dive into Darlene's journey and discover how she guides individuals towards a deeper connection with their body and mind.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Intuition: Darlene emphasizes the significance of following one's intuition, especially during challenging times like her cancer diagnosis. Listening to her inner guidance led her to discover energy healing practices like Reiki, which profoundly impacted her healing journey.

Body-Mind Connection: Through her experience and practice, Darlene highlights the crucial connection between the body and mind. She helps individuals become their own advocates by fostering a deep understanding of their physical and emotional needs.

Daily Self-Care Practices: Implementing simple yet effective self-care routines, such as mindful breathing, grounding exercises, and gratitude practices, can significantly improve overall well-being. These practices help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and balance.

Energy Protection: Instead of using the term "protection," Darlene encourages individuals to cultivate awareness and surround themselves with loving energy. Visualizing a gentle, loving light surrounding the body helps maintain energetic boundaries without instilling fear or contraction.

Nurturing Energy Reserves: Recognizing the importance of preserving one's energy, especially for caregivers and parents, Darlene teaches techniques to replenish and reclaim energy reserves. By establishing healthy boundaries and practicing self-compassion, individuals can better serve themselves and others.


Connect With Our Guest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlene.sochin?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Email: darlene.sochin@gmail.com
Website - http://Indigohealingspdx.com

Book a consultation today:
I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.
https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the often-overlooked connection between oral health and overall wellness, particularly focusing on how issues within the gut can significantly impact dental health, and vice versa.

Join us as we break down complex medical relationships into actionable insights that could potentially transform our approach to health and wellness.

Key Takeaways:

-There is a bidirectional relationship between the gut and the mouth. Problems in the gut can lead to oral health issues and, conversely, oral problems can exacerbate or even cause gut issues.
-Poor oral health, such as the presence of cavities and gum disease, can be an indicator of broader health issues.
-Cavities are not just common; they are a preventable disease linked to an imbalance in pH levels in the mouth, which also hints at possible pH imbalances in the gut.
-Common conditions like acid reflux are often treated symptomatically, without addressing potential long-term consequences to dental health.
-Financial burden of dental treatments could be voided with early intervention and proper gut health management. Insurance coverage gaps mean that many beneficial treatments are not accessible to those who need them the most.
-The lack of communication between dental and medical professionals, which can lead to fragmented care and missed diagnoses.
-Real-life stories about misdiagnoses and the journey to better health underscore the need for a holistic approach to health that includes both dental and medical insights.
-Practical advice on maintaining a healthy balance between oral and gut health, including dietary tips, the importance of regular check-ups, and being proactive about discussing all health concerns with healthcare providers.

About the Guest

Deborah Bigda is a dedicated entrepreneur and motivational speaker known as the Queen of Hope. With over 28 years of marriage and motherhood to four children, she brings a wealth of personal experience to her role. Deborah champions the empowerment of women, guiding them to live vibrant lives filled with passion and purpose. She adopts a holistic approach to coaching, emphasizing mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial health. Through individual and group coaching, as well as retreats, Deborah helps women overcome challenges, fostering resilience and a joyful pursuit of their aspirations. Her goal is to inspire women to thrive and build strong financial legacies.

For more info, visit https://deborahbigda.com/

Book a consultation today:
I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.
https://shereewertz.com/15-min