Can excessive gum chewing really harm your jaw? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Dar Radfar, a leading dentist and sleep health expert, who reveals the surprising connections between TMD, sleep apnea, and oral health. Dr. Radfar's personal journey into sleep health began after a life-threatening car accident caused by undiagnosed sleep apnea. Through his experience with CPAP machines, he developed a revolutionary oral appliance that transformed his sleep and energy levels. In this episode, Dr. Radfar shares his valuable insights and initiatives to help dental practices incorporate sleep apnea treatments to benefit their patients.

Gum chewing might seem harmless, but it could be wreaking havoc on your jaw. Dr. Radfar discusses the potential dangers of excessive gum chewing, especially for those using Nicorette gum or chewing as a stress reliever. We explore the negative impact of hard and chewy foods on TMD health and underscore the importance of balancing jaw development with caution in TMD patients. The conversation also shines a light on how poor breathing and sleep apnea can lead to teeth grinding and TMD problems, emphasizing the necessity of individualized treatment plans.

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ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM® has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2010. In 2016, when she was introduced to the world of "Myofunctional Therapy" she immediately knew that was her calling, especially when she learned that it encapsulated many of her passions- breastfeeding, the import of early childhood development, and airway health.

In 2021 Renata founded Airway Circle with the intention of creating a collaborative and multidisciplinary group of like-minded health professionals who share the same passion for learning and giving in the dental health and airway space.

Myo Moves - Become a Patient: www.myo-moves.com

Airway Circle - Become a Member: www.airwaycircle.com