Integrative Dentistry: Muscle Function and Oral Health

Muscle function plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, yet its significance often goes unnoticed in traditional dental care. Research highlights the connection between muscle function and various oral health conditions, including sleep-disordered breathing, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, malocclusion, and more. Understanding the role of muscle function in these conditions is essential for providing … Continued

Understanding the Vital Difference Between Airway and Airflow for Optimal Health

The terms “airway” and “airflow” are frequently used. While they might seem synonymous at first glance, they represent distinct aspects of our respiratory and oral anatomy, each playing crucial roles in our overall well-being. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is essential for comprehending their impact on health, particularly dental health. The difference between … Continued

Enhancing Patient Outcomes with The Breathe Institute Affiliation

With the growing recognition of the intricate relationship between oral health and systemic health, dental practices are evolving to offer comprehensive solutions that address not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of various dental and health issues. Here at Santa Teresa Smiles we stand at the forefront of this evolution as a proud … Continued

Understanding and Addressing Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a common dental issue that affects many individuals. As an integrative dentist, I believe in looking beyond the surface symptoms and addressing the root causes of dental problems. In the case of teeth grinding, a holistic perspective is essential for comprehensive care.Here are some of the common root … Continued

The Power of the Vagus Nerve and the Position of the Tongue

The vagus nerve is often referred to as the body’s longest parasympathetic cranial nerve and plays a pivotal role in regulating vital bodily functions. This multifaceted nerve is intricately linked to processes such as breathing, digestion, and relaxation, making it a key player in maintaining overall physiological balance. The vagus nerve, also known as the … Continued

The Power of Collaboration: Integrative Dentistry, Craniosacral Therapy, Osteopathy, and Myofunctional Therapy for Optimal Health

In recent years, healthcare has witnessed a paradigm shift towards a more integrative approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different bodily systems. One field where this biological perspective has been particularly influential is dentistry. Integrative dentistry combines traditional dental practices with therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to oral health. At Santa Teresa Smiles, we believe … Continued

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, yet millions of people around the world struggle with sleep disorders, particularly sleep-disordered breathing. These conditions, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life and overall health. While traditional treatments often focus on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines … Continued

Nitric Oxide and the Oral Microbiome

Many times we think of a clean mouth as a sterile mouth, but we need a proper balance of bacteria in our oral microbiome in order to be healthy and to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is most known for its role in heart health for being a potent vasodilator (keeps your arteries and veins … Continued

Mouth Taping

We’ve already discussed the difference between mouth breathing and nasal breathing and how detrimental mouth breathing is to your health. Becoming a nasal breather is something you can train your body to do over time. One of the ways you can train yourself to be a nasal breather is through mouth taping (the the practice … Continued

Nasal Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing

Nasal Breathing Nasal breathing involves inhaling and exhaling air through the nostrils. The nose serves several important functions when it comes to breathing: Filtration: The nasal passages are lined with tiny hairs and mucus-producing cells that help trap and filter out particles like dust, allergens, and microbes from the inhaled air. Humidification: The nasal passages … Continued