More Than Teeth

Dr. Michael Bennett
More Than Teeth

Where true health transformation begins in the mouth. Join Dr. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD, and Cathy Bennett as they explore the powerful connection between oral health and overall well-being. From sleep and airway disorders to nutrition and systemic disease, this podcast uncovers the hidden links that traditional medicine often overlooks. Designed for healthcare professionals and patients alike, More Than Teeth is your gateway to understanding how the mouth plays a critical role in total body health.

  1. Top Sleep Disorder Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Patients

    3D AGO

    Top Sleep Disorder Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Patients

    Top Sleep Disorder Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Patients In this episode, Dr. Michael Bennett and Cathy discuss the vital role dental professionals play in screening for sleep disorders like sleep apnea. They emphasize the ease and ethical importance of incorporating sleep-related questions into routine dental visits, similar to blood pressure or oral cancer checks. Various indicators such as scalloped tongues, high-vaulted palates, and behavioral cues in children are highlighted. The episode also covers practical tools like the STOP-BANG questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Score for effective screening. Additionally, the hosts talk about the impact of diet, hydration, and proper meal timing on sleep quality. They conclude with a teaser for the next episode focused on understanding the anatomy of the airway. 00:49 Importance of Sleep Screening 01:18 Screening Techniques and Indicators 04:28 Behavioral and Physical Signs 05:53 Screening Tools and Questionnaires 09:23 Nutritional Impact on Sleep 11:27 Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts 13:25 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    14 min
  2. How Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Is Hiding in Your Dental Chair

    JUL 9

    How Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Is Hiding in Your Dental Chair

    How Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Is Hiding in Your Dental Chair In this episode, Dr. Michael Bennett and Cathy Bennett introduce a new series on the interconnectedness of airway health and overall wellness, particularly focusing on the importance of dental screenings for sleep-related breathing disorders. The discussion highlights the significance of dental health as a gateway to detecting sleep apnea, which often goes undiagnosed and can lead to severe health consequences like Alzheimer's, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more. They stress the role of dentists in early detection and the benefits of treating sleep apnea for improved healthcare outcomes. The episode underscores the barriers dentists face in incorporating sleep screening into their practice and the need for a team-oriented approach to overcome these challenges. Finally, they advocate for rebranding dental hygiene exams as comprehensive wellness screenings to better serve patient health. 00:44 The Importance of Dental Visits for Health Screening 01:30 Identifying Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders 03:35 The Silent Epidemic of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea 06:10 Economic and Health Impacts of Sleep Disorders 06:58 Barriers to Dental Screening for Sleep Disorders 09:57 The Role of Dentists in Sleep Disorder Screening 12:47 Holistic Wellness and the Importance of Sleep 15:56 Conclusion: Implementing Sleep Screenings in Dental Practice Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    18 min
  3. A Neurologist’s View on Sleep with Dr. Stasha Gominak

    JUL 3

    A Neurologist’s View on Sleep with Dr. Stasha Gominak

    A Neurologist’s View on Sleep with Dr. Stasha Gominak In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Michael Bennett invites Dr. Stasha Gominak to discuss their shared passion for leveraging the body’s healing properties of sleep. Dr. Gominak shares her journey from being a neurologist to becoming a sleep coach, highlighting the unique relationships she discovered between sleep and overall health. She delves into how deficiencies in vitamin D and B, as well as the microbiome, affect sleep quality and suggests practical interventions. Dr. Gominak also discusses how sleep dentistry practitioners can integrate these concepts into their practices to improve patient outcomes. The episode concludes with Dr. Bennett and Dr. Gominak reflecting on the importance of patient-centered care and pushing through professional challenges to innovate in their respective fields. 01:11 Dr. Stasha Mak's Background 01:54 Transition from Neurology to Sleep Coaching 02:25 Insights from Sleep Dentists 04:56 The Importance of Human Connection in Medicine 06:06 Energy Coaches and Spiritual Connection 07:05 New Ideas in Medicine and Intention Setting 09:10 Challenges and Rewards of Sleep Coaching 11:24 Patient Stories and Discoveries in Sleep Medicine 12:26 Exploring Sleep Disorders and Treatments 16:18 The Role of Brain Chemistry in Sleep 25:52 Vitamin Deficiencies and Sleep 28:05 The Importance of Vitamin D 31:35 The Importance of Vitamin D in Hormonal Balance 32:31 The Pioneering Work of Walter Stump 37:05 The Impact of Vitamin D on Sleep and Immunity 39:08 Challenges in Vitamin D Research and Application 49:25 The Role of Microbiome and B Vitamins 56:34 Integrating Vitamin D and Microbiome Knowledge in Practice 01:06:14 Future Directions and Final Thoughts If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness. Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    1h 8m
  4. Answers from an E.N.T. Perspective with Dr. Kirt Beus

    JUN 26

    Answers from an E.N.T. Perspective with Dr. Kirt Beus

    Answers from an E.N.T. Perspective with Dr. Kirt Beus In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Bennett welcomes his colleague and friend, Dr. Kirk Beus, to discuss their collaborative work in treating patients' airway and oral health issues. Dr. Beus shares his journey into becoming an ENT and his focus on less invasive treatments for nasal and thyroid issues. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nasal breathing for proper facial development in children and how issues such as crowded teeth and TMJ disorders can be linked to airway problems. They also touch on the role of nutrition in nasal congestion and the benefits of a holistic approach in combined dental and ENT practices. The episode concludes with practical advice for professionals and the public on maintaining better nasal and ear health. 01:00 Dr. Beus's Journey to ENT 01:45 Advancements in ENT Treatments 02:25 The Connection Between Dental Crowding and Airway Issues 07:07 The Role of Nutrition in Facial Development 12:12 TMJ Disorders and Ear Symptoms 15:13 Ear Health Tips and COVID-19 Considerations 17:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness. Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    21 min
  5. Sleep and Airway Centered Dentistry with Dr. Lyly Fisher

    JUN 19

    Sleep and Airway Centered Dentistry with Dr. Lyly Fisher

    Sleep and Airway Centered Dentistry with Dr. Lyly Fisher In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Bennett converses with Dr. Lyly Fisher, a dentist practicing in Renton, Washington. They delve into Dr. Fisher's career journey, starting with her practice over 26 years ago, and discuss her decision to go out of network with Delta Dental to maintain a personal touch with her patients. The conversation highlights Dr. Fisher's integration of the Vivos system and her growing focus on airway and sleep-centered care. They explore the importance of understanding the root causes of dental issues, linking them to overall health, and the potential for dentists to address broader health concerns due to their frequent patient interactions. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of dentists as oral physicians, working in coordination with medical professionals to improve patient wellness and prevent chronic diseases. 01:18 Dr. Fisher's Background and Practice 02:08 Challenges and Changes in Dental Practice 03:35 Exploring Airway and Sleep-Centered Dentistry 07:16 Patient Success Stories 11:49 The Role of Dentists in General Health 16:03 Future of Dentistry and Collaborative Care 21:49 Advice for Dentists and General Public 26:54 Conclusion and Farewell If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness. Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    27 min
  6. Want Less Injuries? Get More Sleep!

    JUN 12

    Want Less Injuries? Get More Sleep!

    Want Less Injuries? Get More Sleep! In this episode, Dr. Michael Bennett and his wife Kathy discuss the crucial importance of sleep for athletes and how chronic sleep deprivation significantly increases the risk of sports injuries, particularly in adolescent athletes. Citing recent studies, they emphasize that athletes who get less than eight hours of sleep are 1.7 times more likely to be injured. They also explore various strategies for improving sleep quality and quantity, including cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, nasal breathing, and environmental adjustments. Drawing on personal experiences and scientific insights, they underscore the vital role of sleep in overall health, immunity, and recovery from injuries. 01:07 The Importance of Sleep for Athletes 01:48 Study on Sleep Deprivation and Sports Injuries 03:59 Recommended Sleep Duration for Teenagers 06:00 Personal Experiences with Sleep and Injuries 09:12 Healing Properties of Sleep 13:15 Techniques for Improving Sleep Quality 15:29 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia 23:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness. Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    26 min
  7. I've Tried Everything..Why Am I So Tired All The Time?

    JUN 5

    I've Tried Everything..Why Am I So Tired All The Time?

    I've Tried Everything..Why Am I So Tired All The Time? In this episode, Dr. Michael Bennett discusses his shift from dentistry to treating breathing disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea, and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). He explores the case of a 13-year-old female with chronic fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms potentially linked to UARS. Dr. Bennett elaborates on the significance of quality sleep for healing and how UARS can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to various health issues. The episode highlights diagnosis methods, symptoms, and treatment options for UARS, emphasizing the importance of good airway health and its broader implications on overall well-being. 01:09 Case Study: 13-Year-Old with Chronic Pain 03:44 Understanding Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) 09:21 Symptoms and Diagnosis of UARS 12:50 Impact of UARS on Overall Health 22:14 Treatment Options for UARS 25:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness. Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    29 min
  8. Shut Your Mouth...For Better Health!

    MAY 29

    Shut Your Mouth...For Better Health!

    Shut Your Mouth...For Better Health! In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Michael Bennett discusses the critical importance of nasal breathing over mouth breathing, particularly for overall health and longevity. He shares a touching story of a nine-year-old boy who struggles with nasal breathing due to underdeveloped facial structures. Dr. Bennett elaborates on the anatomical and physiological benefits of nasal breathing, such as effective filtration, humidification, and nitric oxide production. He also highlights corrective techniques and interventions like the Buteyko breathing method, use of specific devices, and lifestyle changes to improve nasal breathing. The episode underscores how proper breathing impacts sleep, immune function, and even fertility, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to ensure optimal health. 00:34 The Importance of Nasal Breathing 03:02 Anatomy of the Nose 07:02 Breathing Techniques and Exercises 09:56 Impact of Breathing on Overall Health 10:56 Treatment Plan for Nasal Breathing 14:36 Nighttime Breathing Strategies 16:56 Health Implications of Mouth Breathing 21:00 Practical Tips for Better Breathing 22:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness. Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

    23 min

About

Where true health transformation begins in the mouth. Join Dr. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD, and Cathy Bennett as they explore the powerful connection between oral health and overall well-being. From sleep and airway disorders to nutrition and systemic disease, this podcast uncovers the hidden links that traditional medicine often overlooks. Designed for healthcare professionals and patients alike, More Than Teeth is your gateway to understanding how the mouth plays a critical role in total body health.

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