Ep. 76: "Tongue Tie & Cancer: Is There a Connection? with Dr. Hilary Pada, DDS"

Can tongue-tie contribute to cancer treatment complications, airway dysfunction, and sleep-disordered breathing? In this episode of **Airway Answers**, Nicole Goldfarb interviews **Dr. Hilary Pada** about the connection between tongue mobility, oral oncology, craniofacial development, and airway health.Learn how the **Tongue Range of Motion Ratio (TRMR)**, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oral mucositis, infant feeding, craniofacial development, and interdisciplinary care may influence patient outcomes in both oncology and airway-focused practice.**Topics discussed:** Tongue-tie • Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) • Airway health • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) • Oral oncology • Oral mucositis • Infant feeding • Craniofacial growth • Myofunctional therapy • Interdisciplinary healthcare---**CHAPTERS**0:00 Introduction to Airway Answers & Meet Dr. Hilary Pada3:17 Dr. Hilary Pada's Background in Oral Oncology & Airway Health10:48 Tongue-Tie and Cancer: Why This Research Matters17:25 The "Episode Four" Analogy: Why We're Missing Early Signs18:48 Case Study: Tongue-Tie in a Multiple Myeloma Patient23:22 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Oral Mucositis & Cancer26:48 Tongue Range of Motion Ratio (TRMR): How to Assess Tongue Mobility31:31 Before & After: Real Patient Tongue-Tie Treatment Results35:07 The Seven Oral Frenula & Tongue-Tie Anatomy41:20 Craniofacial Development: Midlines, Jaw Growth & Airway51:58 Anterior vs. Posterior Tongue-Tie: What's the Difference?1:05:23 Research Findings: Severe Tongue Restriction in Cancer Patients1:20:32 Why Tongue-Tie Is Often Missed in Infants1:29:18 Sleep, Cancer Risk & Long-Term Health1:36:47 Infant Feeding, Tongue Function & Early Intervention1:48:50 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts---👍 **If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with colleagues interested in airway health and orofacial myofunctional therapy.**🔔 **Subscribe for future conversations with leading experts in airway health, sleep medicine, dentistry, orthodontics, speech-language pathology, and myofunctional therapy.**---**About Dr. Hilary Pada**Dr. Hilary Pada is an oral oncology researcher whose work focuses on tongue mobility, airway health, craniofacial development, sleep-disordered breathing, and cancer care. She is passionate about advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes.---**About Nicole Goldfarb**Nicole Goldfarb, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, educator, podcast host, and founder of the San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy.---🎧 **Subscribe to the Audio Podcast:**https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow🌐 **Airway Answers:**[www.AirwayAnswers.info](http://www.AirwayAnswers.info)🏥 **San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy:**[www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com](http://www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com)📩 **Email:**[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])📘 **Facebook:**https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503📸 **Instagram:**https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/🎵 **TikTok:**https://www.tiktok.com/@airway.answers---#TongueTie #AirwayHealth #MyofunctionalTherapy---⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis or treatment. Reliance on the information presented is at your own risk. Mention of specific providers, products, or services does not constitute an endorsement.