Why dental hygienists care about sleep apnea

Barbara Tritz, a biological dental hygienist, discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of chronic diseases instead of just treating symptoms. She emphasizes the impact of mouth breathing on dental health and overall health, and the need for dental professionals to educate patients about mouth breathing and nasal hygiene. Barbara highlights the signs of mouth breathing and its correlation with oral diseases, as well as the importance of raising awareness about these issues. She shares personal stories of patients affected by mouth breathing and the use of microscopy to assess oral health. Barbara calls for dental hygienists to expand their role in addressing airway development and provides actionable steps for improving oral health, breathing, and sleep.

Takeaways

• Mouth breathing is the root cause of many dental problems and chronic systemic diseases.
• Dental professionals should educate patients about mouth breathing and nasal hygiene, and recognize the signs of mouth breathing.
• Microscopy can be used to assess oral health and identify mouth breathers.
• Dental hygienists should expand their role in addressing airway development and work in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
• To improve oral health, breathing, and sleep, individuals can learn about airway development, consider myofunctional therapy, and practice mouth taping. http://queenofdentalhygiene.net/about/