Dr. Bennett interviews his patient, Eric Eberly, about treating sleep-disordered breathing and airway underdevelopment. Eric describes being diagnosed with sleep apnea at 25 while weighing 280 pounds, relying on a poorly titrated CPAP, using 2–3 energy drinks daily for years, and suffering from chronic headaches and migraines.

Following a chiropractor referral, Dr. Bennett diagnosed an underdeveloped maxilla and initiated airway development therapy in 2023, which included a Replenish water bottle, maxillary expansion with a facemask, mouth taping, and, later, a tongue-tie release. When life interrupted in-office treatment, Eric continued at home with intensive stretching, myofunctional habits, nasal breathing, didgeridoo practice, posture and chewing training, barefoot-style running, and cold exposure, also applying strategies to his kids, two of whom were diagnosed with sleep apnea. He reports that he stopped taking caffeine and medications and has experienced improved mood, energy, learning, and family life.

02:09 Life Before Treatment

02:22 Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Story

04:08 Nasal Breathing Breakthrough

05:16 Chiropractor Referral to Airway Care

05:33 Maxilla Underdevelopment Explained

06:18 Adult Expansion and Face Mask

08:03 Mouth Taping Sleep Setup

12:22 Didgeridoo for Airway Strength

13:42 Chewing Posture Training

14:41 Kids Sleep Apnea Routine

17:11 Life Without Caffeine

18:30 New Skills New Joy

22:09 Airway Health Misconceptions

24:57 When To Seek Help

26:08 Compliance And Healing

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

About the Guest:

Eric is a husband and father of four who has spent much of his life navigating a range of health challenges, particularly related to his jaw and facial development. At 25, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, which led him to explore alternative approaches to healing. After connecting with Dr. Bennett, he began pursuing natural methods to expand his maxilla, significantly improving his sleep apnea and overall well-being. Today, he shares his experience to help others better understand the connection between airway health and quality of life.

In this episode of More Than Teeth Podcast, host Dr. Michael Bennett talks with Allison Allred about her harrowing journey to uncover the root cause of her young son's debilitating symptoms. What began with concerns over optic nerve swelling led to a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and a deeper exploration into issues like sleep apnea and airway obstruction.

Allison's unwavering determination led to life-changing improvements in her son's health and behavior. Key takeaways include the importance of trusting maternal instincts, the need for persistent medical investigation, and the powerful role of holistic approaches in treating chronic conditions.

00:43 Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis

02:37 Exploring Treatment Options

03:47 Discovering the Underlying Issues

07:12 Meeting the Specialist and Treatment Plan

11:55 Improvements and Reflections

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Bennett welcomes Julie Seager, Education Manager for Xlear and a practicing dental hygienist, to discuss practical clinical protocols that bridge the gap between oral health and total well-being. They explore the critical role of nasal breathing in the dental setting, detailing how pre-procedural nasal hygiene can significantly improve airway volume and patient comfort.

Julie shares the science behind xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, explaining their functions as anti-adhesives and mucolytics against airborne pathogens. They also delve into specific regimens for managing high-risk caries, periodontal disease, and dry mouth, as well as the benefits of chewing gum for pediatric orthodontic cases. Highlighting the importance of protecting both the patient and the provider from aerosols, the discussion emphasizes simple, effective strategies to enhance clinical outcomes and office productivity.

04:12 The "Congested Patient" Scenario

06:45 Pre-Procedural Protocols and Airway Studies

09:20 Correct Nasal Spray Technique

11:15 The Science of Xylitol and the Microbiome

14:10 Grapefruit Seed Extract and Drug Interactions

17:45 Provider Safety in Dental Aerosols

20:05 Oral Protocols: Caries, Perio, and Dry Mouth

27:30 Addressing Bad Breath and Tonsil Stones

31:10 Pediatric and Orthodontic Applications

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

Guest Information:

Julie Seager is a practicing dental hygienist with over three decades of clinical experience. As the Education Manager for Xlear, she educates healthcare providers ranging from dentists to ENTs, on the research and implementation of xylitol-based protocols for airway and oral health.

https://www.morethanteeth.com/podcast/transforming-dental-appointments-through-better-breathing-and-oral-health-protocols

In this episode of the More Than Teeth podcast, Dr. Michael Bennett hosts Sherri Gunn, a nurse practitioner, lactation consultant, and myofunctional therapist, for a deep dive into the nuances of tongue ties across different age groups. Sherry shares a success story of an infant who could breastfeed pain-free after a CO2 laser release. They emphasize the critical roles of proper tongue function in overall health, touching on subjects like breastfeeding, sleep apnea, orthodontics, and speech development. Sherry details the considerations and contraindications for tongue tie releases at various stages of childhood, stressing the importance of personalized treatment plans.

01:29 Celebrating Success Stories

04:45 The Importance of Proper Tongue Function

09:55 Evaluating the Need for Tongue Tie Release

16:09 Personal Experiences and Professional Insights

22:18 Challenges with Adult Orthodontics

23:27 Therapy Techniques for Infants and Toddlers

28:09 Challenges with Toddlers and Tongue Release

32:16 Myofunctional Therapy for Young Children

34:53 The Role of Prevention in Healthcare

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

About Guest: Sherri Gunn

Sherri is passionate about helping individuals and families on the road to better health. She is a wife and mother of 6 and all of her kids were tongue tied. She started as a NICU RN, became an IBCLC to help mothers and infants on their breastfeeding journeys, then took a deep dive into tongue ties and became a myofunctional therapist. She knew she wanted to create a space for families and with her partner Anne Tullis, the Utah Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie Center was born. There with incredible team members they have created a space that offers craniosacral therapy, speech therapy, myofunctional therapy as well as lactation education and support. They do weekly tongue/lip tie releases with local pediatric dentists and support their families through their journeys. Sherri loves traveling with her family, baking, driving carpool to dance and taking care of their mini farm.

Website: https://www.utahbreastfeedingandtonguetie.com/

In this episode of More Than Teeth Podcast, host Dr. Michael Bennett, along with his wife Cathy Bennett, welcomes Sherri Gunn, an experienced registered nurse, lactation consultant, and myofunctional therapist. Sherri shares her extensive knowledge on infant feeding challenges, particularly the significance of identifying red flags in feeding behavior of infants aged zero to six months. The discussion delves into common issues such as marathon feedings, painful breastfeeding, and signs like clicking sounds during feeding, and how these could signal underlying problems like tongue ties or improper latch. The podcast highlights the importance of early intervention, proper evaluation, and a team approach involving various healthcare practitioners to ensure optimal development and health for infants.

01:57 Identifying Red Flags in Feeding

04:04 Common Misconceptions and Realities

06:40 The Role of Tongue and Lip Ties

08:36 Choosing the Right Bottles and Nippies

15:49 The Importance of Post-Procedure Care

18:49 Challenges and Success Stories

25:58 Debunking Breastfeeding Myths

26:47 The Importance of Night Feedings

29:14 Ideal Duration for Breastfeeding

29:52 Breastfeeding in Public and Its Benefits

30:51 The Role of Breastfeeding in Facial Development

33:33 Personal Experiences with Tongue Ties

40:11 The Importance of a Holistic Approach

42:25 The Need for a Team Approach

47:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

About Guest: Sherri Gunn

Sherri is passionate about helping individuals and families on the road to better health. She is a wife and mother of 6 and all of her kids were tongue tied. She started as a NICU RN, became an IBCLC to help mothers and infants on their breastfeeding journeys, then took a deep dive into tongue ties and became a myofunctional therapist. She knew she wanted to create a space for families and with her partner Anne Tullis, the Utah Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie Center was born. There with incredible team members they have created a space that offers craniosacral therapy, speech therapy, myofunctional therapy as well as lactation education and support. They do weekly tongue/lip tie releases with local pediatric dentists and support their families through their journeys. Sherri loves traveling with her family, baking, driving carpool to dance and taking care of their mini farm.

Website: https://www.utahbreastfeedingandtonguetie.com/

Dr. Michael Bennett hosts Sonnie Bocala on The More Than Teeth Podcast. They discuss their long friendship and collaboration in treating patients with pain and sleep disorders. Sonnie, owner of Apex Dental Sleep Lab, shares insights into his work on FDA-cleared oral sleep appliances and innovations in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Bennett recounts a recent experience with his father-in-law's cardiac and sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of advocating for sleep health. They discuss the evolution and future of dental sleep technology, including less cumbersome appliances and the integration of AI and 3D printing. The episode highlights the growing collaboration between dentists and MDs, and the potential for hybrid clear aligner and EMA systems to improve patient outcomes.

01:06 Sonnie's Background and Expertise

01:47 A Personal Story: Father-in-Law's Medical Journey

03:42 The Importance of Sleep in Medical Treatment

07:19 Sonnie's Brother's Heart Attack and Sleep Apnea

09:10 Innovations in Dental Sleep Medicine

13:52 Advancements in Oral Appliances

16:08 Empowering Dentists with New Technology

20:12 Addressing Cranial Distortions and Postural Changes

20:34 Introduction to Hybrid Clear Aligner Systems

20:48 Combining Aligners with Airway Maintenance

21:24 Challenges and Solutions in Current Aligners

22:43 Direct to Print: The Future of Aligners

23:18 Clinical Trials and FDA Approval

25:00 Practical Applications and Future Prospects

26:14 Business Models for Dental Practices

31:45 Collaboration Between Dentists and MDs

36:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

About Guest: Sonnie Bocala was born into a family with five generations of 16 Dentists, so it wasn’t a surprise when he decided to pursue the same career path. He graduated from San Diego State University in 2004 with a Bachelors in Cellular Molecular Micro-Biology. While awaiting acceptance to dental school he began working for a private practice as a dental assistant. Very quickly Sonnie found his passion in the dental lab side of the industry and assumed the position as Director of International Lab Certification for TMJ and Sleep Research International from 2004-2016. He opened T & S Dental Lab, which he owned and operated from 2006-2016. This is where he began his journey that has led him to where he is today; having lectured internationally on TMJ, Sleep Therapy and oral appliance designs, and trained and certified international dental labs on the fabrication of TMJ orthotics. Currently, Sonnie is the President and owner of Apex Dental Sleep Lab, President of Sketchpad Innovations, Developer and Patent holder of Kava Mandibular Advancement device and a manufacturing consultant to Oravan OSA.

From Diagnosis to Hope: Navigating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

In this episode of 'The More Than Teeth Podcast,' Dr. Michael Bennett sits down with Jesse, a patient diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Jesse shares her powerful story of living with EDS, which includes symptoms like joint hypermobility, chronic pain, gastroparesis, sleep apnea, and severe headaches. Jesse reveals how her life improved dramatically through a collaborative approach with various healthcare providers, including Dr. Bennett. Emphasizing the importance of a holistic view in dental and medical treatments, she discusses the life-changing impact of a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment.

00:55 Understanding Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

02:09 Jessie's Early Symptoms and Diagnosis Journey

04:15 Living with EDS: Daily Struggles

07:57 Finding the Right Medical Support

12:56 Life Improvements and Motherhood with EDS

16:41 Building Better Relationships

17:36 Understanding Hypermobility and Dental Health

18:13 Personal Experiences with Dental Sensitivity

19:51 Systemic Nature of EDS

22:40 Impact of Sleep Apnea on Healing

25:05 The Financial and Emotional Costs of Treatment

27:33 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

The Connection Between Leaky Gut Syndrome & Sleep

In this episode, we discuss the potential causes of chronic pain, focusing on the complex relationship between digestive health and conditions like headache, jaw, and facial pain. The discussion includes the case of a patient with chronic pain exacerbated by obstructive sleep apnea and digestive issues. The podcast highlights the role of leaky gut syndrome in systemic inflammation, reflex bruxism, and the connection between gut health and neurotransmitter production. Practical advice on improving gut health through nutrition, probiotics, and reducing sympathetic triggers is provided. The episode aims to enhance understanding of how treating the gut can contribute to resolving chronic craniofacial pain.

01:22 Case Study: Chronic Pain and Sleep Apnea

03:30 Exploring Leaky Gut Syndrome

07:02 Treatment Approaches for Leaky Gut

10:36 Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome

14:46 Gut Health and Pain Connection

16:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry