Post an Event (free) | Subscribe 

Good morning! In the world of health misdemeanors, one stands out every day - Mouth Breathing!

Enter the hero of our story: Nasal Breathing!

Today, we're zeroing in on how nasal breathing influences Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but don't underestimate the side effects of mouth breathing. From halitosis to gum disease and ramped-up tooth decay, the list is longer than a dentist's appointment on a Monday morning. Let’s dive in!

In Today’s Edition:

• What is the role of nasal breathing in sleep health?

• How does nasal breathing impact oral and dental health?

• Decongesting the Nasal Airway

• Social media marketing 101

• [Warning] a popular nasal decongestant doesn't actually work!?

5-minute read today👇

Clinical Corner

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

Key Takeaways🔑

1/ The Nose and OSA

Study Overview: This study takes a closer look at how nasal breathing affects mammals, especially humans, in the realm of sleep health. It focuses on what the nose does best – warming, moistening, and filtering air during sleep. The research also digs into how changes in nasal resistance influence sleep disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Key Insights from the Study:

• Nasal Resistance and Sleep: The nasal airway accounts for over 50% of total airway resistance during sleep. Variations in nasal resistance, due to factors like mucosal changes and body position, can impact sleep quality and the effectiveness of treatments such as CPAP.

• Nasal vs Oral Breathing: Nasal breathing boosts overall breathing and typically leads to higher ventilation rates than mouth breathing, especially during sleep. However, nasal obstructions can force a shift to mouth breathing.

• Impact on OSA Pathophysiology: Nasal obstruction is key in OSA's development. The study highlights how the interplay between nasal and oral resistance influences OSA, with variable nasal obstructions being more significant than fixed ones.

2/ The Impact of Nasal Breathing on Oral and Dental Health

Study Overview: We're taking a deep dive into how Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB), from simple snoring to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), connects to kids' oral health. This study looks at everything from tooth decay to gum disease in kids who might be dealing with SDB. It's all about understanding the big picture of how breathing through the night influences dental health in young ones.

Key Data Points from the Study:

• Dental Caries and Periodontal Status: Kids with SDB are showing more tooth decay and gum disease. This tells us that SDB might be playing a role in these dental health issues.

• Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: The COHIP scores for both kids and their parents were lower in the SDB group. So, SDB is not just about teeth and gums – it's affecting how kids and parents feel about their oral health.

• Association with Other Factors: The study also found that things like weight and how the mouth is structured might make oral health issues worse in kids with SDB.

3/ Recommendations for Decongesting the Nasal Airway

Effective management of nasal congestion is crucial for improving nasal breathing, particularly in patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB). Here are several strategies and tools dental professionals can recommend:

1. Saline/Xylitol Nasal Spray: Regular use of saline or xylitol nasal sprays can help moisturize the nasal passages, reduce congestion, and clear irritants. Xylitol sprays, in particular, have been noted for their ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. [our favorite]

2. Sinus Rinses: Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can effectively clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing congestion.

3. Nasal Breathing Exercises: Simple exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the nasal passages can improve nasal breathing efficiency. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing with a focus on nasal inhalation can be beneficial.

4. Use of Tools:

   • Mouth Tape: For patients who involuntarily breathe through their mouth during sleep, mouth tape can gently encourage nasal breathing.

   • Nasal Strips: These adhesive strips are applied externally across the bridge of the nose to help widen the nasal passages, facilitating easier nasal breathing.

   • Nasal Cones: Soft, cone-shaped devices inserted into the nostrils can help keep the airways open, reducing nasal resistance.

5. Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy involves exercises that strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles, helping improve breathing patterns, including enhancing nasal breathing.

6. Referral to an ENT Specialist: In cases where the severity of nasal obstruction is significant or when structural anomalies are suspected, referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is recommended for further evaluation and possible intervention.

Business of Sleep

📈Better businesses = more lives saved!

Mastering Social Media Marketing in Dentistry

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for dental practices, offering a direct line to engage with current and potential patients. With billions actively using these platforms, the opportunity for growth is immense. This section will guide you through the essentials of social media marketing, tailored for dental sleep professionals.

Why Social Media is Indispensable for Dentists

Social media can elevate your practice by:

• Boosting Brand Awareness: Showcase your services, like cosmetic or sleep dentistry, through compelling visual content.

• Enhancing Patient Engagement: Use platforms like Instagram Stories for interactive Q&A sessions, establishing your expertise.

• Offering Cost-Effective Marketing: Run targeted campaigns on platforms like Facebook, reaching more people at a lower cost than traditional advertising.

• Gathering Valuable Customer Feedback: Encourage reviews on your social channels to build your online reputation and attract new patients.

• Showcasing Your Expertise: Share articles, case studies, and research on platforms like LinkedIn to establish your authority in the dental field.

Recommended Platforms for Dental Marketing

• Facebook: Ideal for detailed content and reaching an older demographic.

• Instagram: Perfect for showcasing visual content such as before-and-after photos.

• Google Business Profile: Essential for local SEO and attracting nearby patients.

Creating a Winning Social Media Strategy

1. Set Clear Objectives: Define specific goals, like increasing patient engagement or attracting new patients.

2. Identify Your Target Audience: Tailor your content to the needs and interests of your specific patient demographic.

3. Plan Your Content: Choose content types that resonate with your audience, from educational videos to informative posts.

4. Maintain Consistency: Regular posting and a consistent brand image are key to keeping your audience engaged.

5. Engage Actively: Interact with your followers, respond to comments, and engage with their content.

6. Analyze and Adapt: Use analytics to track performance and adjust your strategy based on what resonates with your audience.

7. Stay Compliant: Ensure all social media activities adhere to healthcare advertising laws and patient confidentiality.

8. Allocate Resources: Decide on your budget and whether to manage in-house or outsource.

9. Involve Your Team: Encourage team participation in creating content and managing posts.

Social Media Marketing Best Practices

• Consistency in Posting: A regular schedule and thematic consistency enhance brand recognition.

• High-Quality Visuals: Use clear, appealing images and videos.

• Responsive Interaction: Engage with comments and messages to boost satisfaction and engagement.

• Effective Use of Hashtags: Increase post visibility with relevant hashtags.

• Adaptability: Be ready to update your strategy as social media trends evolve.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ignoring Negative Feedback: Address any negative comments professionally.

• Inconsistent Posting: Regular posts are crucial to maintaining follower interest and engagement.

• Balance Promotion and Value: While promoting services is important, focus also on providing valuable content to your audience.

Social media marketing, when done right, can significantly enhance your dental practice’s online presence, attracting new patients and fostering a strong community.

Something Sweet

🍭Stuff so sweet you might get a cavity..

Exclusives for More Than Teeth Readers

Have an event you would like to post? [ click here ]

Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … I forgot something

Warning⚠️

Not all medications are proving to achieve their intended claims!