Could touch, movement, and patient participation add another valuable layer to airway treatment?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with physical therapist Walt Fritz about manual therapy and how it may complement care for airway, voice, swallowing, and oral motor disorders.

They discuss:

✨ Manual therapy compared with myofunctional therapy
✨ Why treatment should focus on the person, not only the tissue
✨ The complex effects of touch and movement on the nervous system
✨ How manual therapy and exercise may work together
✨ Shared decision-making and the patient’s lived experience
✨ Potential applications for snoring, apnea, voice, and swallowing concerns
✨ When a patient may benefit from another clinician’s perspective
✨ Manual therapy surrounding tongue-tie treatment
✨ Why no single therapy should be considered the complete solution
✨ The need for stronger research into airway-related applications

Walt challenges traditional explanations that reduce treatment to simply loosening tight tissue or strengthening weak muscles. Instead, he encourages clinicians to consider the broader neurological, sensory, behavioral, and contextual factors that may influence a patient’s response.

He also explains that manual therapy may support some patients with oral restrictions, but it does not physically release a restrictive frenum. His evidence-conscious approach encourages clinicians to acknowledge uncertainty, question outdated narratives, and collaborate when progress does not occur as expected.

Walt Fritz is a physical therapist and international educator specializing in manual therapy for voice, swallowing, oral motor, and airway disorders. Teaching since the mid-1990s, he launched Foundations in Manual Therapy: Voice and Swallowing Disorders in 2013. The course, now taught worldwide, reframes manual therapy as an active, patient-centered, and movement-based process.

His approach emphasizes shared decision-making and multifactorial perspectives, encouraging clinicians to move beyond traditional models of care. Walt also serves as a Research Supervisor with the Voice Study Centre in the United Kingdom and maintains a clinical practice in Upstate New York.

🎧 Explore a thoughtful, evidence-aware perspective on how manual therapy may fit within collaborative airway care.

#BeautyOfBreathing #WaltFritz #ManualTherapy #AirwayHealth #MyofunctionalTherapy #VoiceTherapy #SwallowingDisorders #OralMotorTherapy #SharedDecisionMaking #PatientCenteredCare #TongueTie #PhysicalTherapy #InterdisciplinaryCare

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

What changes when a pediatric appointment looks beyond isolated symptoms and begins connecting breathing, sleep, feeding, and development?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with Dr. Erick Galindo about his integrative approach to pediatric care and the importance of identifying dysfunction as early as possible.

They discuss:

✨ Why sleep and breathing should be part of pediatric screening
✨ Signs of airway dysfunction parents may notice at home
✨ Tethered oral tissues and the importance of functional assessment
✨ Why preparation matters before considering a tongue-tie release
✨ Breastfeeding, colic, and early oral motor development
✨ How pacifier use may influence oral function
✨ The importance of chewing for craniofacial development
✨ Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, and maxillary development
✨ Why treatment should involve a multidisciplinary team
✨ How parents can help clinicians recognize overlooked patterns

Dr. Galindo explains that pediatric care should extend beyond managing symptoms with temporary solutions. Understanding how breathing, sleep, oral function, movement, and the nervous system interact can help clinicians identify possible root causes and guide families toward the right professionals.

He also emphasizes that a tongue-tie release is not always the first or only step. Some children need support from lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, physical therapists, bodywork providers, dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, and other professionals before or after a procedure.

Dr. Erick Galindo is a pediatrician based in Guadalajara who is redefining how children are evaluated and supported. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has transformed the standard consultation into a deeper exploration of how breathing, sleep, and oral function shape development.

From tethered oral tissues and airway health to chewing and the effects of sleep on behavior, Dr. Galindo connects symptoms with potential root causes while bringing precision and empathy to his practice. He is a board member of ICAP and an ambassador for The Breathe Institute.

🎧 Follow the journey from a child’s first breath to their first words and discover why early, collaborative care can make such a meaningful difference.

#BeautyOfBreathing #DrErickGalindo #PediatricAirway #PediatricCare #TongueTie #TetheredOralTissues #Breastfeeding #OralFunction #SleepDisorderedBreathing #CraniofacialDevelopment #MyofunctionalTherapy #EarlyIntervention #TeamBasedCare

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

Could an early reflex that never fully integrated be affecting a child’s learning, coordination, attention, or behavior?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with Dr. Joshua Madsen about primitive reflexes and the foundational role they play in neurological and motor development.

They explore:

✨ What primitive reflexes are and why babies need them
✨ How these reflexes support early brain development
✨ Why reflexes should integrate as the nervous system matures
✨ The Moro, ATNR, and STNR reflexes
✨ Signs that primitive reflexes may still be active
✨ Connections to balance, posture, eye tracking, and coordination
✨ Why gross motor development supports fine oral motor skills
✨ How retained reflexes may influence learning and self-regulation
✨ The relationship between neurological development and oral function
✨ Why children benefit from multidisciplinary evaluation and care

Dr. Madsen explains that primitive reflexes provide essential stimulation during infancy. As the brain develops, these automatic patterns should gradually be replaced by more controlled and coordinated movement. When they remain active, children may use compensations that affect multiple areas of function.

The conversation also demonstrates simple movement patterns clinicians may observe and highlights why foundational development should be considered when a child struggles with speech, feeding, handwriting, reading, attention, sensory processing, or myofunctional therapy exercises.

Dr. Josh first earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of Northern Iowa before pursuing his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dedicated to expanding his expertise, he studied Neurodevelopmental Delays at the Carrick Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation and completed Functional Neurology seminars accredited by the National University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Josh is also a Fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurologists, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his practice.

🎧 Dive into the foundations of development and learn why primitive reflexes may be an important missing piece when progress feels difficult.

#BeautyOfBreathing #DrJoshuaMadsen #PrimitiveReflexes #Neurodevelopment #FunctionalNeurology #ChildDevelopment #Learning #Attention #Behavior #MoroReflex #ATNR #STNR #MyofunctionalTherapy #InterdisciplinaryCare

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

What if the qualities that make us better leaders are also the qualities that help us live more meaningful lives?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with Dr. Yosi Amram about spiritual intelligence and how it can transform leadership, relationships, parenting, and personal growth.

They explore:

✨ What spiritual intelligence means in everyday life
✨ How it differs from spiritual beliefs and experiences
✨ The relationship between spiritual and emotional intelligence
✨ Qualities such as purpose, trust, gratitude, integrity, and presence
✨ Why embodying our values matters more than simply believing in them
✨ How parents can nurture these qualities in their children
✨ The role of compassion and service in effective leadership
✨ Why inspired teams often become more connected and productive
✨ How spiritual intelligence may help us navigate uncertainty and AI

Dr. Amram explains that spiritual intelligence is expressed through how we behave at work, at home, and in ordinary interactions. It involves practicing qualities such as humility, forgiveness, gratitude, joy, and integrity until they become part of how we lead and relate to others.

He also shares how leaders can create stronger organizations by establishing a meaningful purpose, building trust, listening with presence, and making difficult decisions with compassion.

Yosi Amram, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, CEO coach, pioneering researcher in spiritual intelligence, and best-selling author. A former founder and CEO of two successful public companies, he has coached more than 100 CEOs, including many who lead billion-dollar enterprises.

With degrees from MIT, Harvard, and Sofia University, Dr. Amram’s research on spiritual intelligence has received more than 1,000 citations. His award-winning book, Spiritually Intelligent Leadership, explores how purpose, trust, integrity, and other spiritual qualities can strengthen leadership. Drawing from his early leadership experience in the Israeli military, he is dedicated to advancing spiritual intelligence worldwide.

🎧 Press play for a thoughtful conversation about leading with greater purpose, serving with integrity, and bringing your deepest values into daily life.

#BeautyOfBreathing #YosiAmram #SpiritualIntelligence #SpirituallyIntelligentLeadership #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Purpose #Integrity #Gratitude #PersonalGrowth #ConsciousLeadership #Relationships #MindBodySpirit

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

Why do some patients continue to experience tension or dysfunction even after a tongue-tie release or orthodontic treatment?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with John McLaughlin about fascia and its potential role in tethered oral tissue, orthodontic, and whole-body treatment outcomes.

They discuss:

✨ What fascia is and how it connects structures throughout the body
✨ Why symptoms may be felt far from the original restriction
✨ How tension may affect the tongue, jaw, neck, posture, and breathing
✨ The value of bodywork before and after a tongue-tie release
✨ Distinguishing a true oral restriction from generalized tension
✨ Craniosacral therapy compared with Craniosacral Fascial Therapy
✨ How treatment differs for infants, children, and adults
✨ The importance of consent and creating safety during bodywork
✨ Why interdisciplinary care matters for lasting functional change

John explains that releasing a frenum or changing the dental structure may be only one part of treatment. When broader tension patterns remain unaddressed, the body may continue relying on compensations that affect comfort, movement, and function.

He also shares how Craniosacral Fascial Therapy may complement myofunctional therapy, orthodontics, and tethered oral tissue care by helping prepare the body for change and supporting adaptation afterward.

John McLaughlin is a dedicated practitioner of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy who trusts in the body’s innate ability to heal as God intended. With a background as a critical care nurse, John now focuses on hands-on therapy that supports physical and emotional well-being while honoring the Great Physician.

Through Midcoast Fascial Therapy, he provides compassionate care that reflects his extensive experience and deep calling to serve others through Faith-Inspired CFT.

🎧 Go beyond the release and explore why the fascial system may be an important piece of the orthodontic and oral function puzzle.

#BeautyOfBreathing #AirwayCircle #JohnMcLaughlin #Fascia #CraniosacralFascialTherapy #FaithInspiredCFT #TongueTie #TetheredOralTissues #TOTs #MyofunctionalTherapy #Orthodontics #Bodywork #OralFunction #InterdisciplinaryCare

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

How might breathing and oxygen delivery influence a child’s developing brain?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with Dr. Josh Madsen about the relationship between oxygenation, neurological development, movement, and childhood function.

They discuss:

✨ Why the brain depends on oxygen and cellular energy
✨ The roles of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and breathing patterns
✨ Primitive reflexes and neurological development
✨ Signs that may warrant further developmental evaluation
✨ The importance of early motor milestones
✨ How movement helps stimulate the developing brain
✨ Connections among posture, balance, eye tracking, and learning
✨ Environmental factors that may affect a child’s well-being
✨ Why complex cases require interdisciplinary care

Dr. Madsen explains how retained primitive reflexes may appear alongside challenges involving attention, coordination, posture, reading, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. He also shares what parents can observe during infancy, including feeding difficulties, limited head movement, resistance to tummy time, cranial asymmetry, and delays in expected motor milestones.

The conversation also explores how myofunctional therapists, dentists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, ENTs, and other qualified professionals can collaborate when a child presents with mouth breathing, sleep concerns, developmental delays, or airway obstruction.

Dr. Josh first earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of Northern Iowa before pursuing his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dedicated to expanding his expertise, he studied Neurodevelopmental Delays at the Carrick Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation and completed Functional Neurology seminars accredited by the National University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Josh is also a Fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurologists, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his practice.

🎧 Listen for a broader perspective on how breathing, movement, sleep, and neurological development may intersect throughout childhood.

#BeautyOfBreathing #DrJoshMadsen #BrainDevelopment #PediatricAirway #Oxygenation #FunctionalNeurology #PrimitiveReflexes #Neurodevelopment #MouthBreathing #ChildDevelopment #SleepDisorderedBreathing #InterdisciplinaryCare

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

What if supporting a child’s airway, oral function, and facial growth began years before traditional orthodontic treatment?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with Dr. Kalli Hale about early pediatric airway intervention and why clinicians should recognize signs of dysfunction while children are still growing.

They discuss:

✨ Why snoring and mouth breathing should not be dismissed
✨ How early intervention may support breathing, sleep, and facial development
✨ The role of habit corrector appliances in younger children
✨ Why appliances are not appropriate for every child
✨ Signs that a child may need expansion or additional evaluation
✨ How nasal hygiene supports the transition to nasal breathing
✨ The importance of myofunctional therapy throughout treatment
✨ Structural versus functional airway concerns
✨ How clinicians can improve access to interdisciplinary care

Dr. Hale shares pediatric cases demonstrating changes in breathing patterns, oral function, bite development, and facial growth. She also explains why success depends on proper screening, an individualized treatment plan, family participation, and collaboration among dentists, myofunctional therapists, ENTs, and other healthcare providers.

Dr. Kalli Hale is a passionate advocate for the connection between oral and systemic health, specializing in obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing. As a Clinical Advocate for Vivos Therapeutics, she collaborates with dentists nationwide to develop treatment protocols for mild to moderate cases.

Her work in pediatric expansion and sleep-disordered breathing has elevated her speaking career and reflects the mission behind her motto, “We have to stop getting it wrong for our kids.” Dr. Hale is also a faculty member of the Dental Success Network and the founder and Chief Dental Officer of Toothpillow.

🎧 Tune in to discover how recognizing airway dysfunction earlier may give children a healthier foundation for breathing, sleeping, and growing.

#BeautyOfBreathing #AirwayCircle #DrKalliHale #PediatricAirway #EarlyIntervention #AirwayDentistry #SleepDisorderedBreathing #MouthBreathing #PediatricSleep #MyofunctionalTherapy #HabitCorrector #Toothpillow #FacialGrowth #NasalBreathing

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

What could become possible if you stopped allowing your profession to define your potential?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme connects with her friend and fellow dental hygienist Elijah Desmond for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, failure, networking, service, and creating a life that reflects your own definition of success.

They discuss:

✨ Why your career is part of what you do, not the entirety of who you are
✨ Turning existing knowledge and experience into new opportunities
✨ What failed businesses can teach you about moving forward
✨ The benefits and challenges of developing multiple income streams
✨ Why meaningful networking begins with showing up
✨ Serving others without expecting something in return
✨ Replacing a scarcity mindset with an abundance mindset
✨ Investing in yourself to accelerate learning and growth
✨ Why authenticity helps the right people find you

Elijah explains that success is not defined by money alone. Family, health, purpose, faith, and financial stability may carry different weight during different seasons of life. The goal is not to recreate someone else’s path, but to take the first step toward the life you genuinely want to build.

Elijah Desmond is a serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and creator of innovative ventures including Smiles at Sea and The Dental Festival. After earning his dental hygiene degree from The Ohio State University, he shifted his focus toward producing engaging educational events and delivering motivational concerts to students worldwide.

Based in South Florida, Elijah also serves as Vice President of Beyond the Game, a nonprofit organization supporting youth programs. Known for blending education with entertainment, he inspires audiences around the world through his dynamic events, authentic leadership, and commitment to serving others.

🎧 Press play for an energizing reminder that your next opportunity may begin when you speak up, invest in yourself, and remain true to who you are.

#BeautyOfBreathing #ElijahDesmond #SerialEntrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #AbundanceMindset #DentalEntrepreneur #DentalHygienist #BusinessGrowth #PersonalGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #Networking #Motivation #RedefiningSuccess

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

What if supporting long-term health begins with giving our cells the nutrients they need to function effectively?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with Dr. Reg McDaniel about comprehensive nutrition, plant-based nutrients, cellular health, and the lifestyle patterns associated with healthy aging.

They discuss:

✨ What the world’s Blue Zones may teach us about longevity
✨ The importance of plant-based nutrition and daily movement
✨ How environmental chemicals may affect cellular health
✨ The role of micronutrients in supporting normal cellular processes
✨ Why nutritional variety matters for immune health
✨ The connection between nutrition, mitochondria, and energy production
✨ How everyday choices can influence lifelong wellness
✨ Why purpose and emotional well-being belong in the health conversation

Dr. McDaniel shares the story behind his decades of glyconutrient research, including his investigation of compounds derived from aloe vera. He also introduces New Eden, his latest nutritional innovation designed to provide plant-based nutrients that may be limited in the modern diet.

Dr. Reg McDaniel, MD, is a pioneering expert in glyconutrient research with more than 39 years of experience. He created the aloe-based supplement Manapol®, which generated more than $5 billion in sales. Dr. McDaniel has presented his work at institutions including the U.S. Congress, the Royal Society of Medicine in London, and the National Cancer Institute.

A graduate of UT Southwestern Medical School, he combines ancient nutritional principles with modern science in his work to support immune health and reduce healthcare costs. His latest innovation, New Eden, continues his mission to transform nutrition in today’s challenging healthcare landscape.

🎧 Explore how comprehensive nutrition may support the body from the cellular level upward.

#BeautyOfBreathing #ComprehensiveNutrition #DrRegMcDaniel #CellularHealth #Micronutrition #Glyconutrients #Manapol #NewEden #PlantBasedNutrition #BlueZones #HealthyAging #ImmuneHealth #MitochondrialHealth #WholeBodyHealth

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...

What if maxillary expansion could influence far more than the alignment of the teeth?

In this episode of the Beauty of Breathing Podcast, Renata Nehme speaks with dual-trained orthodontist and periodontist Dr. Rebecca Bockow about how expansion may support breathing, sleep, oral function, and whole-body health.

They explore:

✨ The difference between dental tipping and true skeletal expansion
✨ How widening the palate may reduce nasal resistance
✨ Why expansion is not the answer to every skeletal problem
✨ The importance of creating adequate space for the tongue
✨ How timing, age, and appliance design affect treatment
✨ MARPE, DOME, and evolving options for adult expansion
✨ Possible connections to ear health, bedwetting, and sleep
✨ When to incorporate myofunctional therapy
✨ Why early evaluation can make a meaningful difference

Dr. Bockow explains that the roof of the mouth is also the floor of the nose. When expansion produces true skeletal change, it may improve nasal airflow while creating more room for the teeth and tongue. However, successful treatment begins with a complete diagnosis that considers transverse, vertical, and forward-backward development.

Dr. Rebecca Bockow earned her dental degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry and initially practiced restorative dentistry in Seattle. She completed dual specialty training in orthodontics and periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also earned a master’s degree in oral biology.

A board-certified orthodontist and periodontist, Dr. Bockow is a resident faculty member at Spear Education and lectures internationally on interdisciplinary treatment planning, airway and sleep disorders, skeletal growth, surgical planning, and TAD-supported expansion. She maintains a private orthodontic practice in Seattle and Bellevue.

🎧 Discover how maxillary expansion is challenging traditional orthodontic thinking and broadening the conversation from straight teeth to lifelong health.

#BeautyOfBreathing #AirwayCircle #MaxillaryExpansion #AirwayOrthodontics #Orthodontics #MARPE #DOME #NasalBreathing #MyofunctionalTherapy #TongueSpace #PediatricAirway #SleepDisorderedBreathing #EarlyIntervention

Support the show

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Renata Nehme RDH, BSDH, COM®, OMS™ 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


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At Airway Circle we offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.

Become a Member Today and have immediate access to hundreds of lectures with world-renowned professionals. ...