111 | Fixing the Airway: the Effects on Sleep, Behavior and Hormones with Kristi Dobbs

If your tongue could talk, it would tell you it affects far more than speech — from sleep quality and hormones to jaw development and restless kids. In this episode I interviewed Kristi Dobbs, a dental hygienist and myofunctional therapist from Roberts Integrative Dentistry, about how oral posture, nasal breathing, tongue-tie releases, and simple device and exercise-based therapies can transform sleep, behavior, pain, and overall health.What myofunctional therapy is: muscle-focused therapy for the face, tongue, jaw, and soft palate (like physical therapy for the neck up).Some modern lifestyle contributors to poor jaw development: softer diets, early solids/formula, early tooth removal and braces timing.Common signs linked to oral function problems: narrow palate, long face, gummy smile, mouth-breathing, snoring, TMJ, speech issues, picky eating, digestive problems, plantar fasciitis.The four pillars of myofunctional therapy: nasal breathing, lip seal, correct tongue posture, and proper swallowing.Device options: MyoMunchie (from ~6 months), Myobrace, Myo nozzle/Remplenish, and Invisalign palatal expansion when needed.Tongue-tie approach: pre- and post- myofunctional therapy plus a laser release and suturing to optimize outcomes and retrain function.Timing and commitment: therapy typically runs 12 sessions over ~6 months; results improve with ongoing maintenance exercises but require occasional practice to retain gains.Integration with other therapies: best results come when myofunctional therapy is combined with ENT, SLP, chiropractic, massage/lymphatic work, orthodontics, and other integrative providers.Virtual options: evaluations and much of the therapy can be done via telehealth; surgical procedures require an in-person provider.Contact Kristi Dobbs and Roberts Integrative Dentistry:Myofunctional Therapy Info: https://robertsintegrativedentistry.com/oral-myofunctional-therapy/Roberts Integrative Dentistry Phone and Email:  (417) 246-3029 and [email protected] Therapy can be performed virtually.Signs and symptoms of disordered breathing: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/FMfcgzQfBkQwSbXXmnqckwjRmgSCfkTp?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1New Resource: Breast Health Guide - dailywellnesscommunity.com/breast-health-guide→ Please take 1 minute to show your support of the show!  Apple Podcasts: Sign in and scroll to the bottom to review!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-wellness-podcast/id1651051841Spotify: Leave a rating and follow the show! (Click on the 3 dots.) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melisha-meredithYouTube: Subscribehttps://www.youtube.com/@DailyWellnessCommunity-podcastConnect with Melisha and the Daily Wellness Communityinstagram.com/dailywellnesscommunity/facebook.com/dailywellnesscommunityWebsite: dailywellnesscommunity.comEmail us at: [email protected] products I mention may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links. Our family greatly appreciates your support, it helps us keep creating the free resources we make for you all!DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.