Nasal Breathing

Plus: Four frameworks for better leadership

October 30, 2023

Good morning. This is More Than Teeth. The newsletter that helps dental sleep professionals get 1% better every week.

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Nasal breathing is an obsession of ours. Aside from the countless - clinically proven - benefits from nasal breathing, we find that we are just happier people when we can breathe. the obsession came about because a dentist treated More Than Teeth.

In today's edition:

Screen your patients
Four framework for better leadership.
Save money on your CE!
Five exercises to fix snoring

5-minute read today👇

Clinical Corner

🥼Use the clinical corner as your secret weapon to impress your colleagues and patients!

Key Takeaway🔑

Screen Nasal Breathing.

It's a simple concept but so powerful in creating lifelong changes for your OSA patients. Encourage proper nasal hygiene and to try tools such as nasal strips, mouth tape, saline sprays, etc.

A love letter to nose breathing

In our ongoing commitment to provide comprehensive care in dental sleep medicine, understanding the interplay between nasal obstructions, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and nasal hygiene has never been more crucial. Groundbreaking research has revealed significant insights into this relationship, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating nasal health into our OSA management strategies.

1. The Critical Role of the Nose in OSA: Nasal obstructions are more than mere nuisances. They significantly contribute to OSA severity and present challenges to the success of standard treatments like CPAP and oral appliances. A comprehensive study highlighted the importance of the nose in regulating airflow and stimulating ventilation during sleep. Nasal obstruction is common among OSA patients and often underdiagnosed, leading to treatment intolerance and compromised outcomes. This underlines the necessity for thorough nasal assessments in our routine OSA evaluations.

2. Nasal Hygiene: An Overlooked Cornerstone: Despite its significance, nasal hygiene is often neglected in daily routines. According to a survey conducted on behalf of Xlear, 54% of adults rarely consider their nose's role in overall health. Proper nasal hygiene enhances the nose's functionality and reduces congestion, thereby improving breathing. Practices like regular nasal washing, especially with xylitol-based solutions such as Xlear, can bolster nasal defenses, helping to flush away threats and maintain a healthy nasal environment.

3. Innovative Treatments on the Horizon: Emerging therapies show promise in enhancing OSA management. A pioneering study investigating the effects of a TASK 1/3 channel antagonist, BAY2586116, revealed its potential in reducing pharyngeal collapsibility associated with OSA. These findings suggest that treatments may soon extend beyond the current scope, offering new hope for patients with OSA.

Actionable Takeaways:

Integrate Comprehensive Nasal Assessments: Incorporate detailed nasal examinations into your OSA evaluations. Recognize that identifying and addressing nasal obstructions can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Promote Regular Nasal Hygiene: Encourage patients to adopt regular nasal hygiene practices. Suggest the use of xylitol-based nasal sprays, adequate hydration, and avoiding pollutants to maintain optimal nasal health. Highlight the importance of these practices in improving their OSA treatment efficacy.
Forge Multidisciplinary Alliances: For cases of persistent nasal obstructions, consider referrals to ENT specialists. Collaborating with various medical professionals ensures a holistic approach to OSA management.
Stay Abreast of Therapeutic Advancements: Keep informed about emerging treatments, such as BAY2586116, and prepare for their integration into practice when they become available. These novel therapies could revolutionize the way we manage OSA.

Conclusion: The interconnection between nasal obstructions and OSA underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to patient care. By embracing comprehensive nasal assessments, emphasizing the role of nasal hygiene, and staying informed about innovative treatments, we can profoundly improve our practice's approach to managing OSA. It's not just about facilitating better sleep; it's about enhancing overall health and quality of life for our patients.

Together, let's continue to expand the horizons of dental sleep medicine!

Sources:

Business of Sleep

📈Better businesses = more lives saved!

Leadership isn’t that hard.

But most Dental offices get it wrong.

Once we learned the four frameworks below, we become master leaders.

1. The Power of 'No' in Patient Care

Achieving a leadership role in a dental office often means saying 'Yes' to challenges, extra shifts, and unexpected situations. However, once in that role, it's crucial to understand the power of 'No.'

Saying 'No' isn't about rejecting new ideas or limiting our dental practice's growth; it's about focusing our resources on what matters most: patient care. It's okay to postpone a new marketing initiative or decline an ancillary project if it doesn't directly contribute to patient care. 👍

2. Vulnerability: Your Secret Weapon in Team Management

Self-awareness is a superpower for dental office leaders. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you manage your dental team more effectively.

Being vulnerable doesn't mean oversharing personal issues; it's about acknowledging our professional imperfections. This could mean hiring a hygienist with skills that complement yours, introducing systems to enhance efficiency, or even focusing on cases best suited to your expertise.

3. Questions: The Key to a Unified Team

Leadership in a dental office isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions that uncover insights and invite your team's participation.

Having strong views is crucial, but so is being open to new information. Good questions can help you gather patient feedback, encourage team input, and improve your dental practice.

4. Communication: The Foundation of a Successful Dental Practice

Clear communication is vital for a smoothly-running dental office. It's easy to neglect when busy, but that's precisely when we need it most.

If we treat communication as an upfront investment, it pays dividends in the long run. Your team wants to provide the best patient care, but they need to know the expectations and how to meet them. Clear and timely communication channels their energy effectively. 📣

In essence, leadership in a dental practice isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about guiding your team, asking the right questions, and communicating effectively. It's about saying 'No' when necessary and being vulnerable enough to acknowledge your weaknesses. Remember, leading a dental office is a team effort. We're all learning and growing together.