Functional Roots Podcast

Amanda and Heather introduce their Functional Roots podcast, focused on holistic, functional, and naturopathic connections between oral health and whole-body wellness, and interview Tricia Rogers, an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience specializing in oral facial myofunctional disorders.

Tricia explains myofunctional therapy as addressing habits and patterns that affect oral-facial muscle rest and function—impacting facial growth, nasal breathing, oral rest posture, chewing, swallowing, and speech—and describes how SLPs and registered dental hygienists can both practice in this space, with SLPs also treating speech clarity and swallowing disorders like dysphagia.

The conversation covers practical red flags and screening ideas for clinicians and parents (mouth breathing, where children chew, open-mouth chewing, dark circles, bedwetting, attention issues, and crowding in primary teeth), plus a simple strategy to train back-molar chewing using Haribo gummy bears and the functional importance of chewing.

Tricia distinguishes oral myofunctional swallowing issues from dysphagia related to neurological or motor conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s, stroke, cerebral palsy) and emphasizes appropriate referral for aspiration risk.

They discuss tongue ties (anterior, posterior/mid ties), lip ties (including lower ties), compensations that can mask restriction, and how tongue posture relates to speech clarity, open bites, and orthodontic relapse, stressing that structure and function must be treated together through interdisciplinary collaboration (orthodontics, ENTs/allergists, bodywork, chiropractors, and myofascial release).

Tricia shares how she uses child-friendly education through her children’s book series Ms. Tongue and Friends—titles including “Ms. Tongue Learns to Rest,” “The Lips Learn to Stay Together,” “Mr. Nose Learns to Breathe,” and “Ms. Tongue Learns to Dance” for lingual frenectomy prep/post support—suggesting books in dental offices and schools to build awareness, and provides a February discount code (Cupid10) and her website and social channels.

The episode closes with takeaways emphasizing collaboration, early intervention rather than “wait and see,” and Tricia’s current reading recommendation, the book “Behind the Smile” by Dr. Donny R. (Donny Rowl).00:00 Welcome to Functional Roots: Whole-Body Wellness Starts in the Mouth00:38 Meet Tricia Rogers, SLP: Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters04:46 Myofunctional Therapy 101: Oral Habits, Airway, and Nasal Breathing09:21 Chewing & Swallowing Red Flags: Back Molars, Mouth-Open Eating, and Training Tips15:30 Dysphagia vs. Myofunctional Swallowing Issues: When It’s a Safety Concern21:20 The ‘Aha’ Case: How Tongue Posture and Breathing Impact Speech Clarity24:11 Tongue Ties & Lip Ties Explained: Assessment, Compensations, and Airway Effects31:45 Myofascial Release + Team-Based Care: Fascia, Posture, and Collaboration38:10 How to Talk to Patients: Simple Screening Talking Points (Mouth Breathing, Chewing, Crowding)50:12 Allergies, Obstruction vs Habit, and the Mouth-Breathing Cycle (Halitosis, Tonsils, Stones)55:15 Tongue Thrust & Ortho Relapse: Why Braces Alone Don’t Fix Function55:46 Tongue Thrust & Braces Relapse: Why Open Bites Come Back57:34 Myofunctional Therapy 101: Resting Posture vs Swallowing Function59:28 Getting Your Practice On Board: Referrals, Airway Awareness & DSO Challenges01:01:55 Tongue Rest Posture Debates: Airway vs Speech Perspectives01:09:17 Ms. Tongue & Friends: Using Kids’ Books to Teach Oral Habits01:16:39 Airway, Decay & Myo Tools: Myo Munchie, Lip Seal, and Nasal Breathing01:19:04 Adult-Friendly Hacks: Ortho Elastic as a Tongue

Welcome to Functional Roots! Dive deep with Amanda, Heather, and the remarkable Dr. Nathan Bryan as they unveil the links between oral health, nitric oxide, and overall wellness.

Learn about Dr. Bryan’s journey, groundbreaking research, and how nitric oxide impacts cardiovascular health, insulin resistance, and more.

Whether you’re a dental professional, wellness enthusiast, or curious about natural health, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips.

Grab your herbal tea and join the conversation! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!00:00 Introduction to Functional Roots00:35 Meet Dr. Nathan Bryan: Nitric Oxide Expert03:02 Dr. Bryan's Journey into Nitric Oxide Research05:50 Understanding Nitric Oxide Pathways09:54 The Role of Oral and Gut Microbiome in Nitric Oxide Production11:54 Impact of Lifestyle and Medications on Nitric Oxide14:22 Challenges in Modern Medicine and Dentistry35:49 Chinese Medicine and Nitric Oxide40:02 Discussing the Teeth Mask and Product Evolution40:30 Clinical Testing and Nitric Oxide Measurement41:56 Salivary Test Strips and Oral Health44:14 The Importance of Beneficial Bacteria47:28 Addressing Cardiovascular Disease Through Oral Health48:49 Revisiting Nitric Oxide Strips and Supplementation53:19 Dietary Sources and Challenges of Nitric Oxide57:29 The Role of Processed Foods and Sodium Nitrate01:01:38 Developing Effective Nitric Oxide Supplements01:12:23 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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Introduction to Functional Roots

Welcome to Functional Roots where whole body wellness begins in the mouth....

Podcast Format and Updates

Okay, so this is gonna be a non-typical podcast because....

Amanda's Certification Journey

And the first thing that I want to do is just congratulate Amanda because she has worked diligently to get her....

Heather's Educational Initiatives

Yeah, so I am I've been working on education for, I feel seven months now....

Building the Saliva Sleuth Community

So I purchased an app and I'm building saliva sleuth community....

Global Reach and Listener Engagement

It was interesting, Amanda, I don't know if I had a chance to tell you, but someone from Switzerland....

Salivary Diagnostics and Education

This week I had a conversation salivary diagnostic isn't part of didactic treatments in education yet, I have been connected with someone who....

Exciting Developments in Dental Hygiene Education

So I think that's very exciting for those students at the University of New Mexico School of Dental Hygiene....

Challenges in Oral Health Diagnostics

The micro the microbes, like that's the foundation of oral health....

Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

Okay, we're winding down 2025....

Upcoming Speaking Engagements and Conferences

I don't have anything in person yet, so a dental conferences, if you want to hear me in person, I would love to....

Networking and Community Building

And then locally, how we were talking about getting business off the ground, but I went to a networking event at my local health and wellness store....

Concluding Remarks and Future Plans

Yeah, I think that's the goal....

Dive into a captivating discussion that challenges the traditional boundaries of dental health! In this episode, we explore the deep and powerful connections between oral health and overall wellness. Learn how your mouth can be a window to your body's health, identifying chronic diseases and uncovering potential issues through microbiome and functional testing. Discover why integrating dental history into medical evaluations can revolutionize patient care, and hear compelling arguments for why dental professionals should collaborate more with functional healthcare providers. Like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about this vital, but often overlooked, aspect of health!

Connecting Oral Health to Whole Body Wellness: Featuring Dr. Claudia PortaWelcome to another enlightening episode of Functional Roots! Join Amanda and Heather as they dive deep into the powerful connections between oral health and overall wellness. Special guest Dr. Claudia Porta shares her journey into lifestyle and preventive medicine, emphasizing the significance of the oral microbiome. Learn how integrative approaches can impact everything from obesity to Alzheimer's. Don't miss out on this captivating discussion that bridges the gap between dental care and systemic health. Enjoy your favorite herbal tea, get comfortable, and let’s explore the roots of good health! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with your friends!00:00 Introduction to Functional Roots00:42 Meet Dr. Claudia Porta01:04 Dr. Porta's Medical Journey03:29 The Shift to Lifestyle Medicine04:36 Understanding Obesity and Functional Medicine06:20 The Importance of Oral Health in Medicine11:15 Challenges in Integrating Dental and Medical Care14:34 Heather's New Educational Platform16:13 The Role of Oral Microbiome in Systemic Health20:27 The Evolution of Functional Medicine20:38 Collaborative Approaches to Patient Care30:43 The Impact of Environmental Factors on Oral Health34:49 Exploring Glossitis and Oral Microbiome35:19 Airway Issues and Dental Landmarks35:59 The Role of Hygienists in Dentistry37:09 Nutritional and Salivary Diagnostics38:26 Collaborative Care in Dentistry42:43 Case Studies on Oral Health and Systemic Diseases53:57 Integrating Dental and Medical Care01:03:07 Future of Preventative Medicine01:06:21 Educational Resources and Closing Remarks

Exploring Mercury Safe Dentistry with Dr. Mark Wisniewski | Functional Roots PodcastJoin us for a deep dive into the world of biologic dentistry on this episode of Functional Roots! Hosts Amanda and Heather are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mark Wisniewski, a pioneer in mercury-safe dentistry and ozone therapy. Discover the powerful connections between oral health and whole-body wellness, the essential protocols for safe amalgam removal, and Dr. Mark's personal journey into biologic dentistry. Whether you're a dental professional or a wellness enthusiast, this episode is packed with insightful information and practical tips. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with friends who might find this information valuable!00:00 Introduction to Functional Roots00:41 Welcoming Dr. Mark Wisniewski04:13 Dr. Mark's Journey into Biologic Dentistry08:23 Mercury Toxicity and Safe Removal Protocols16:35 The Impact of Mercury on Health19:11 Public Education and Advocacy21:54 Controversies and Challenges in Dentistry31:18 Vaccines and Health: A Broader Discussion40:41 The Manipulation of Science40:56 Trust and Understanding in Science41:35 The Influence of Pharmaceuticals41:48 The Importance of Like-Minded Practitioners43:09 The Toxicity in Everyday Life44:00 The Paradigm Shift in Dentistry46:26 Bioaccumulation and Water Quality47:04 The Reality of Chemical Exposure49:51 The Role of Honesty in Dentistry52:26 The Future of Biologic Dentistry58:13 Advice for Young Dentists01:00:58 Innovations in Dental Practices01:04:43 The Importance of Biocompatible Materials01:10:37 International Expansion of Biologic Dentistry01:12:52 Conclusion and Announcements

Leading a New Movement in Dentistry: Dr. Brian Edwards on Kindness, Prevention, and TransparencyIn this episode of Functional Roots, hosts Amanda and Heather welcome Dr. Brian Edwards, a passionate dentist advocating for the highest quality oral health care with a people-first approach. Dr. Edwards shares insights into his innovative 3-2-3 model, focusing on kindness, prevention, and transparency in dental practice. He discusses his journey from a dental student to a practice owner, emphasizing the need for holistic, functional, and naturopathic approaches in dentistry. The conversation delves into the importance of empowering hygienists, creating a supportive practice environment, and the groundbreaking preventive strategies like Guided Biofilm Therapy and salivary diagnostics. Dr. Edwards also highlights the significance of transitioning to a fee-for-service model to improve patient care and practice sustainability.00:00 Welcome to Functional Roots00:42 Introducing Dr. Brian Edwards00:51 Dr. Edwards' Journey and Philosophy01:36 The 3-2-3 Model in Dentistry04:13 Challenges and Innovations in Dental Practice06:47 Empowering Hygienists and Team Dynamics14:22 Fee-for-Service Model and Patient Care23:35 Leadership and Vision in Dentistry29:03 Advocating for Collaborative Solutions in Dentistry29:14 The Systemic Impact of Dental Health30:37 Patient Advocacy and Systemic Health32:11 Technologies and Innovations in Dental Practice35:19 Empowering Hygienists and Team Collaboration40:40 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Team Unity44:00 Mentorship and Business Strategies for Dentists50:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Unlocking the Secrets of Oral Health with Primal Health's Revolutionary TechnologyDive into an enlightening episode of Functional Roots with Amanda, Heather, and special guest Emily from Primal Health. Discover how Emily's innovative SMART technology, grounded in her expertise in microbiology and immunology, offers a groundbreaking approach to oral health. Learn about the profound connections between oral health, systemic health, and the role of diet, probiotics, and biocompatible ingredients in maintaining a balanced oral microbiome. Don't miss out on this deep dive into how natural solutions can revolutionize dental wellness and overall health. Like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found it insightful!00:00 Introduction to Functional Roots00:36 Guest Introduction: Emily from Primal Health01:24 Emily's Journey and Research04:28 The Science Behind Primal Health05:58 Innovations in Oral Health08:05 Challenges and Solutions in Oral Microbiome11:19 Product Details and Applications19:49 Clinical Implications and Future Directions25:22 Microbial Diversity in the Mouth26:29 Candida and Opportunistic Bacteria27:26 Cross Contamination and Hygiene Protocols27:58 Balancing Beneficial and Harmful Bacteria29:20 Impact of Diet on Oral Microbiome30:37 Acidity and Oral Health31:57 Microbial Influence on Dental Implants33:40 Streptococcus Species and Inflammation37:05 Antibiotics and Long-term Microbiome Effects38:28 Public Perception of Oral Health42:32 Innovative Oral Health Products46:01 Vitamin B and Oral Health47:08 Fun Question: Podcasts and Books48:12 Conclusion and Resources

Welcome to Functional Roots, where whole body wellness starts in the mouth! In this episode, Amanda and Heather, our expert hygienists, welcome the brilliant Dr. Karen Plymel. Dr. Plymel shares her journey from Obstetrics and Gynecology to pioneering integrative and functional medicine practices, emphasizing the critical link between oral health and overall wellness.

They dive into fascinating topics such as the oral systemic connection, the importance of oral microbiome testing, and how hygienists can play a pivotal role in patient care.

If you're passionate about holistic health or curious about how your mouth affects your body, this is one episode you can't miss! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the knowledge!00:00 Introduction to Functional Roots00:37 Meet Dr. Karen Plymel00:55 Dr. Plymel's Journey and Integrative Approach02:25 The Oral Systemic Connection04:14 Challenges and Discoveries in Oral Health10:00 The Importance of Imaging in Dentistry15:57 Collaboration Between Medical and Dental Fields19:53 Empowering Dental Hygienists23:46 The Future of Integrative Dental Care33:56 The Struggle with Oral Microbiome34:10 Nitric Oxide and Blood Pressure34:46 Exciting Discoveries in Oral Microbiome35:16 Interconnected Health Issues36:37 Burnout in Dental Hygiene38:56 Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice48:30 The Importance of Salivary Testing53:31 Future of Dental Hygiene55:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaboration

Join us for Part 2 of an enlightening conversation with Anne Rice, a trailblazer in dental hygiene and oral systemic health. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities for dental hygienists in achieving autonomy within dental practices.

Anne shares her insights on the limitations posed by current practice models, the importance of embracing new technologies, and the role of prevention in dentistry.

We also discuss the critical intersection of oral health with overall health, covering topics like post-surgical care, the microbiome, and innovative nutritional strategies for better patient outcomes.

This episode is packed with valuable information for dental professionals and anyone interested in holistic oral health and patient education.

https://www.anneorice.com/Tune in to learn how we can elevate the field of dental hygiene and improve patient care.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:09 Challenges in Dental Hygiene Practice01:19 The Importance of Oral Microbiome02:27 Vitamin D and Implant Success03:53 Pre-Surgical Oral Health05:44 Post-Surgical Oral Care07:11 The Role of Nurses in Oral Health11:28 Personal Stories and Experiences23:13 Guilty Pleasures and Reality TV23:51 Salt Lake City: A Unique Experience24:40 Library Adventures and Homelessness26:03 Dog Stories and Veterinary Mishaps26:56 Physical Therapy for Dogs29:28 Speaking Engagements and Professional Experiences33:13 Hygienist Autonomy and Legislative Influence37:07 Global Dental Practices and Independent Hygiene37:55 The Future of Hygienists in Medical Settings39:10 Podcast Reflections and Wrap-Up