In this episode of the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, we welcome back Shirley Gutkowski, a renowned figure in the dental hygiene field with decades of experience.

Shirley is an Oral Facial Myofunctional Therapist at Primal Air and is passionate about addressing under-discussed issues like snoring, sleep apnea, and early childhood oral health. We delve into the importance of early intervention for oral issues, the collaboration among dental professionals, and Shirley's upcoming book, "More Than Just a Kissing Spot: Your New Baby's Space."

Key Takeaways:

-Importance of identifying and addressing oral issues like tongue ties and improper latch in infancy to prevent long-term health problems.

-Dental hygienists are trained to focus on prevention, but systemic constraints often limit their ability to perform preventive care. More autonomy for dental hygienists could improve patient outcomes.

-The healthcare system often prioritizes symptom management over preventive care, leading to undiagnosed conditions like sleep apnea and untreated issues such as tongue ties.

-Parents, especially mothers, should trust their instincts and persist in seeking proper care for their children, even if it means consulting multiple specialists.

-Effective treatment often involves collaboration among various healthcare providers, including myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, and dental professionals.

-There's a need for more education and professional curiosity in the field to address and research these under-discussed issues, particularly in degree completion and postgraduate programs.

Learn More About Shirley

Website: https://primalair.com/about-us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirdent7

Book a consultation today:

I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.

https://shereewertz.com/15-min