More Than Teeth

Dr. Michael Bennett
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Transformative Tongue Ties: Uncovering Infant Health

    10/28/2025

    Transformative Tongue Ties: Uncovering Infant Health

    In this episode of the More Than Teeth podcast, Dr. Michael Bennett hosts Sherri Gunn, a nurse practitioner, lactation consultant, and myofunctional therapist, for a deep dive into the nuances of tongue ties across different age groups. Sherry shares a success story of an infant who could breastfeed pain-free after a CO2 laser release. They emphasize the critical roles of proper tongue function in overall health, touching on subjects like breastfeeding, sleep apnea, orthodontics, and speech development. Sherry details the considerations and contraindications for tongue tie releases at various stages of childhood, stressing the importance of personalized treatment plans. 01:29 Celebrating Success Stories 04:45 The Importance of Proper Tongue Function 09:55 Evaluating the Need for Tongue Tie Release 16:09 Personal Experiences and Professional Insights 22:18 Challenges with Adult Orthodontics 23:27 Therapy Techniques for Infants and Toddlers 28:09 Challenges with Toddlers and Tongue Release 32:16 Myofunctional Therapy for Young Children 34:53 The Role of Prevention in Healthcare 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 About Guest: Sherri Gunn Sherri is passionate about helping individuals and families on the road to better health. She is a wife and mother of 6 and all of her kids were tongue tied. She started as a NICU RN, became an IBCLC to help mothers and infants on their breastfeeding journeys, then took a deep dive into tongue ties and became a myofunctional therapist. She knew she wanted to create a space for families and with her partner Anne Tullis, the Utah Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie Center was born. There with incredible team members they have created a space that offers craniosacral therapy, speech therapy, myofunctional therapy as well as lactation education and support. They do weekly tongue/lip tie releases with local pediatric dentists and support their families through their journeys. Sherri loves traveling with her family, baking, driving carpool to dance and taking care of their mini farm. Website: https://www.utahbreastfeedingandtonguetie.com/

    43 min
  2. Jaw Development Secrets: Nurturing Healthy Smiles

    10/21/2025

    Jaw Development Secrets: Nurturing Healthy Smiles

    In this episode of More Than Teeth Podcast, Dr. Michael Bennett discusses the often-overlooked factors contributing to underdeveloped jaws in children, which increase the risk of needing braces and wisdom teeth extractions. Highlighting the impact of modern dietary habits, mouth breathing, and environmental factors, Dr. Bennett provides practical advice for parents on how to encourage natural jaw and airway development. By focusing on proper nutrition, promoting nasal breathing, and implementing simple habits, parents can help their children achieve healthier lives with wider smiles and fewer orthodontic issues. 01:04 Historical Perspective on Jaw Development 01:31 Modern Lifestyle and Environmental Factors 05:55 Impact of Jaw Development on Health 08:21 Case Study: Treating a Child's Breathing Disorder 11:44 Practical Tips for Parents 15:39 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

    18 min
  3. Breastfeeding Myths and Realities with Sherri Gunn

    10/16/2025

    Breastfeeding Myths and Realities with Sherri Gunn

    In this episode of More Than Teeth Podcast, host Dr. Michael Bennett, along with his wife Cathy Bennett, welcomes Sherri Gunn, an experienced registered nurse, lactation consultant, and myofunctional therapist. Sherri shares her extensive knowledge on infant feeding challenges, particularly the significance of identifying red flags in feeding behavior of infants aged zero to six months. The discussion delves into common issues such as marathon feedings, painful breastfeeding, and signs like clicking sounds during feeding, and how these could signal underlying problems like tongue ties or improper latch. The podcast highlights the importance of early intervention, proper evaluation, and a team approach involving various healthcare practitioners to ensure optimal development and health for infants. 01:57 Identifying Red Flags in Feeding 04:04 Common Misconceptions and Realities 06:40 The Role of Tongue and Lip Ties 08:36 Choosing the Right Bottles and Nippies 15:49 The Importance of Post-Procedure Care 18:49 Challenges and Success Stories 25:58 Debunking Breastfeeding Myths 26:47 The Importance of Night Feedings 29:14 Ideal Duration for Breastfeeding 29:52 Breastfeeding in Public and Its Benefits 30:51 The Role of Breastfeeding in Facial Development 33:33 Personal Experiences with Tongue Ties 40:11 The Importance of a Holistic Approach 42:25 The Need for a Team Approach 47:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 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 About Guest: Sherri Gunn Sherri is passionate about helping individuals and families on the road to better health. She is a wife and mother of 6 and all of her kids were tongue tied. She started as a NICU RN, became an IBCLC to help mothers and infants on their breastfeeding journeys, then took a deep dive into tongue ties and became a myofunctional therapist. She knew she wanted to create a space for families and with her partner Anne Tullis, the Utah Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie Center was born. There with incredible team members they have created a space that offers craniosacral therapy, speech therapy, myofunctional therapy as well as lactation education and support. They do weekly tongue/lip tie releases with local pediatric dentists and support their families through their journeys. Sherri loves traveling with her family, baking, driving carpool to dance and taking care of their mini farm. Website: https://www.utahbreastfeedingandtonguetie.com/

    48 min
  4. Innovations in Dental Sleep Medicine with Sonnie Bocala

    10/07/2025

    Innovations in Dental Sleep Medicine with Sonnie Bocala

    Dr. Michael Bennett hosts Sonnie Bocala on The More Than Teeth Podcast. They discuss their long friendship and collaboration in treating patients with pain and sleep disorders. Sonnie, owner of Apex Dental Sleep Lab, shares insights into his work on FDA-cleared oral sleep appliances and innovations in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Bennett recounts a recent experience with his father-in-law's cardiac and sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of advocating for sleep health. They discuss the evolution and future of dental sleep technology, including less cumbersome appliances and the integration of AI and 3D printing. The episode highlights the growing collaboration between dentists and MDs, and the potential for hybrid clear aligner and EMA systems to improve patient outcomes. 01:06 Sonnie's Background and Expertise 01:47 A Personal Story: Father-in-Law's Medical Journey 03:42 The Importance of Sleep in Medical Treatment 07:19 Sonnie's Brother's Heart Attack and Sleep Apnea 09:10 Innovations in Dental Sleep Medicine 13:52 Advancements in Oral Appliances 16:08 Empowering Dentists with New Technology 20:12 Addressing Cranial Distortions and Postural Changes 20:34 Introduction to Hybrid Clear Aligner Systems 20:48 Combining Aligners with Airway Maintenance 21:24 Challenges and Solutions in Current Aligners 22:43 Direct to Print: The Future of Aligners 23:18 Clinical Trials and FDA Approval 25:00 Practical Applications and Future Prospects 26:14 Business Models for Dental Practices 31:45 Collaboration Between Dentists and MDs 36:53 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 About Guest: Sonnie Bocala was born into a family with five generations of 16 Dentists, so it wasn’t a surprise when he decided to pursue the same career path. He graduated from San Diego State University in 2004 with a Bachelors in Cellular Molecular Micro-Biology. While awaiting acceptance to dental school he began working for a private practice as a dental assistant. Very quickly Sonnie found his passion in the dental lab side of the industry and assumed the position as Director of International Lab Certification for TMJ and Sleep Research International from 2004-2016. He opened T & S Dental Lab, which he owned and operated from 2006-2016. This is where he began his journey that has led him to where he is today; having lectured internationally on TMJ, Sleep Therapy and oral appliance designs, and trained and certified international dental labs on the fabrication of TMJ orthotics. Currently, Sonnie is the President and owner of Apex Dental Sleep Lab, President of Sketchpad Innovations, Developer and Patent holder of Kava Mandibular Advancement device and a manufacturing consultant to Oravan OSA.

    38 min
  5. From Diagnosis to Hope: Navigating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

    09/09/2025

    From Diagnosis to Hope: Navigating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

    From Diagnosis to Hope: Navigating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome In this episode of 'The More Than Teeth Podcast,' Dr. Michael Bennett sits down with Jesse, a patient diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Jesse shares her powerful story of living with EDS, which includes symptoms like joint hypermobility, chronic pain, gastroparesis, sleep apnea, and severe headaches. Jesse reveals how her life improved dramatically through a collaborative approach with various healthcare providers, including Dr. Bennett. Emphasizing the importance of a holistic view in dental and medical treatments, she discusses the life-changing impact of a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. 00:55 Understanding Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 02:09 Jessie's Early Symptoms and Diagnosis Journey 04:15 Living with EDS: Daily Struggles 07:57 Finding the Right Medical Support 12:56 Life Improvements and Motherhood with EDS 16:41 Building Better Relationships 17:36 Understanding Hypermobility and Dental Health 18:13 Personal Experiences with Dental Sensitivity 19:51 Systemic Nature of EDS 22:40 Impact of Sleep Apnea on Healing 25:05 The Financial and Emotional Costs of Treatment 27:33 Final Thoughts and Gratitude 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

    30 min
  6. The Connection Between Leaky Gut Syndrome & Sleep

    08/13/2025

    The Connection Between Leaky Gut Syndrome & Sleep

    The Connection Between Leaky Gut Syndrome & Sleep  In this episode, we discuss the potential causes of chronic pain, focusing on the complex relationship between digestive health and conditions like headache, jaw, and facial pain. The discussion includes the case of a patient with chronic pain exacerbated by obstructive sleep apnea and digestive issues. The podcast highlights the role of leaky gut syndrome in systemic inflammation, reflex bruxism, and the connection between gut health and neurotransmitter production. Practical advice on improving gut health through nutrition, probiotics, and reducing sympathetic triggers is provided. The episode aims to enhance understanding of how treating the gut can contribute to resolving chronic craniofacial pain. 01:22 Case Study: Chronic Pain and Sleep Apnea 03:30 Exploring Leaky Gut Syndrome 07:02 Treatment Approaches for Leaky Gut 10:36 Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome 14:46 Gut Health and Pain Connection 16:02 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

    17 min
  7. Top Sleep Disorder Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Patients

    07/15/2025

    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
  8. How Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Is Hiding in Your Dental Chair

    07/09/2025

    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
See All (38)

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Bennett
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 MoreThanTeeth. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    More Than Teeth