Episode 154: What Dentists Are Missing About Sleep, Pain, and the Airway with Dr. Mayoor Patel

In this episode of Healthy Sleep Revolution, we're joined by Dr. Mayoor Patel, DDS, MS, a leading expert in dental sleep medicine and co-editor of Dental Sleep Medicine: A Clinical Guide, a comprehensive textbook used by clinicians to understand the intersection of dentistry and sleep medicine. Dr. Patel has spent decades focused on TMJ disorders, orofacial pain, and sleep-disordered breathing, bringing a depth of clinical experience and academic insight that challenges how many dental and sleep practices currently operate. Boswell Books+1 We discuss the significant gaps that exist between traditional dental practice and effective sleep medicine, including why sleep-disordered breathing often goes unrecognized in dental settings and how expanding screening protocols can change patient outcomes. Dr. Patel explains practical approaches for dentists and sleep clinicians to better identify, assess, and manage sleep-disordered breathing, emphasizing the role of thorough airway evaluation, collaboration across disciplines, and taking patient symptoms seriously rather than overlooking them. Boswell Books We also delve into the clinical realities that are frequently missed, including the nuanced presentation of airway issues in patients, and why oral appliance therapy and comprehensive management strategies need to be more widely adopted. Dr. Patel further explores the often-overlooked connection between pain and sleep, highlighting how unresolved orofacial pain and airway dysfunction can create a cycle of poor sleep, increased pain sensitivity, and systemic health consequences. This episode equips listeners with a clearer framework for bridging dental care and sleep health, empowering both providers and patients to pursue more holistic, effective solutions. About Dr. Mayoor Patel Dr. Patel received his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in 1994.  After graduation he completed a one-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). In 2011 he completed a Masters in Science from Tufts University in the area of Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Patel is Board certified in Orofacial pain and Dental sleep medicine. Presently, Dr. Patel is a co-founder of the British Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Ben-Pat Institute and a visiting faculty at Tufts University.  He also served on the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain as secretary, board member of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, and a board member and as examination chair for the American Board of Craniofacial Pain and Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. In the past has served as a founding and board member of the Georgia Association of Sleep Professionals. Since 2003, Dr. Patel has limited his practice to the treatment of TMJ Disorders, Headaches, Orofacial Pain and Sleep Apnea.  Additional contributions have been published: a textbook for Dental Sleep Medicine and numerous textbook chapters on orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine, consumer books, one on treatment options for sleep apnea and the other on understanding temporomandibular disorders, and various professional and consumer articles. Dr. Patel speaks nationally and internationally on topics of dental sleep medicine, Orofacial pain and TMJ disorders. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpcgeorgia/ and https://www.instagram.com/benpatinst/  Websites: https://mpateldds.com/ and https://benpatinstitute.com/   About Meghna Dassani Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep. Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghna_dassani/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meghna-dassani