Beyond Brushing- Optimised Oral Health Outcomes

Mary Bourke is a Newcastle (NSW, Australia) based chiropractor with qualifications in pediatric chiropractic care. Her wealth of experience and passion for health and wellness improvement in young children starts right from the very early months when the reflexes present in the newborn transfer to those that assist their progressive global development.In this episode, Mary explains the nature of the primitive reflexes, how they integrate during infant development and the importance of allowing the infant to meet and progress through these developmental ‘milestones' for optimal childhood development.We explore how the opportunities are often lost in these modern times, and the child is denied the opportunity for the reflexes to integrate correctly. Mary then explains that when parents are aware, how their play-based assist can override the delays.  When primary reflexes are retained, the outcome can be reflected in the older child or adult, often presenting as unusual habits or tendencies. It is not uncommon that these need to be addressed through a collaboration of allied health therapies.Mary and I also discuss how as adults, we adapt to retained reflexes often without recognising what they are- you might recognise some in yourself!Contact Mary Bourke through the Vitality Junction Chiropractic clinic:Clinic@vitalityj.com.au612-249 691965

Darron Goralsky is a Melbourne-based physiotherapist with a thriving specialist practice focusing on treating jaw joint pain and discomfort. Darron recognised early in his career that what he had initially learned about the management of TMJ disorders was insufficient and took on the challenge of continuing his education. That led him down an exciting pathway of discovery and enabled him to provide treatment based on the contributing factors, not just the symptoms. Darron's understanding of the complexities of pain management in this area has led him to develop a team of clinicians who specialise in TMD's ( that's jaw joint dysfunction) and collaborate with a well respected dental practitioner plus a team of experienced orofacial myofunctional therapists (OMT's) to offer clients comprehensive non-invasive care plans.The Goralsky Craniomandibular Method addresses the patient's current concerns and then trains (and empowers) clients to manage the early signs before they get ‘out of hand'.  Clients at the  Melbourne TMJ and Facial Pain Centre in the suburb of Armidale are offered this unique approach, and they report it has been life-changing for them. In this podcast we discuss how the practice and its principles have developed, the reason behind its success and the unique role orofacial myofunctional therapy plays in the temporomandibular joint/craniosacral rehabilitation process. We also look at how the current Covid enforced  ‘working from home' situations are behind the extraordinary increase in head, neck and jaw joint problems. As an orofacial myofunctional therapist,  my current role as an OMT within the Townsville Orofacial Myology clinic expanded several months ago when Darron invited me onto the Melbourne TMJ and Facial Pain Centre‘s OMT online therapy team. Conflict of interest? Not from our client's point of view! As well as onsite assistance, the  Melbourne TMJ and Facial Pain Centre also offer comprehensive telehealth services for out-of-area clients. Contact information for both the Melbourne TMJ and Facial Pain centre is: https://www.melbournetmjcentre.com.au/ For general Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy services (including TMJ assistance) contact the Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinic at:  https://townsvilleofm.com.au/ 

Dr Estie Bav is Melbourne based dentist who authored the book 'Growing Beautiful Teeth: Simple Strategies for your Child to Have Perfect teeth for Life'.  In this episode, we chat about her experience in watching children develop and had the first-hand experience when working abroad, of the ease in which health and wellbeing plus growth and development of the teeth and jaws can be altered- even in one generation.We discussed the areas that parents, carers and health professionals should be aware of to ensure that children reach their full potential…and have beautiful teeth! As a practising dentist, Dr Bav sees the longterm effects of poor growth patterns and how they play out in the adult years. By ‘nipping problems in the bud, growth can be nurtured towards better outcomes, and she feels that both parents and professionals need to strive for this. Dr Bav's book can be purchased through her website: http://www.growingbeautifulteeth.com.

Sharon Moore is an author, presenter and Speech Pathologist, with 4 decades of clinical experience across a wide range of communication and upper airway disorders. Her focus right now is sharing key research about the importance of upper airway health and sleep, in reference to the global epidemic of sleep problems. Recently, acknowledgement of the role of myofunctional therapy in the management of sleep disorders hails a new era of relevance for therapeutic interventions that support upper airway health and function, an affirmation of her chosen clinical direction. She believes that here has never been a more important time for medical and dental colleagues to work as a team with significant health morbidities of sleep disorders in all ages now widely known. Sharon has worked in medical clinical settings in Australia and London. Currently, she runs a Private Practice in Canberra, managing referrals from medical and dental specialists using an upper airway focussed approach, for patients of all ages and training speech pathologists in her methods. The integration of Orofacial Myofunctional principles into traditional Speech Pathology work allows a unique approach to managing upper airway disorders including breathing, swallowing, chewing, phonation, resonance & speech. Sharon has a special interest in early identification of craniofacial growth anomalies in non-syndromic children, airway obstruction in sleep disorders and concomitant orofacial dysfunctions. Sharon Moore is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book  ‘Sleep Wrecked Kids'. In this episode, the first in a two-part series, we chat about some of the simple things that may improve sleep for your child, and how easy it can be to miss the red flags indicating sleep quality is compromised.  More information: http://www.wellspoken.com.au

In this episode, (part 2 of an interview with the incredible Sharon Moore), Sharon explains more about sleeping problems, the relationship between children's airways and what to look for in your sleeping child. We discuss the interplay between bony structure and soft tissues and the importance of both in the growing children for airway health.Sharon explains the proven correlation between sleep-disordered breathing in young children,  behaviour problems and the impairment to their executive function.  Sharon Moore is an author, presenter and Speech Pathologist, with 4 decades of clinical experience across a wide range of communication and upper airway disorders. Her focus right now is sharing key research about the importance of upper airway health and sleep, in reference to the global epidemic of sleep problems. Recently, acknowledgement of the role of myofunctional therapy in the management of sleep disorders hails a new era of relevance for therapeutic interventions that support upper airway health and function, affirmation of her chosen clinical direction. She believes that here has never been a more important time for medical and dental colleagues to work as a team with significant health morbidities of sleep disorders in all ages now widely known. Sharon has worked in medical clinical settings in Australia and London. Currently, she runs a Private Practice in Canberra, managing referrals from medical and dental specialists using an upper airway focussed approach, for patients of all ages and training speech pathologists in her methods. The integration of Orofacial Myofunctional principles into traditional Speech Pathology work allows a unique approach to managing upper airway disorders the including: breathing, swallowing, chewing, phonation, resonance & speech. Sharon has a special interest in the early identification of craniofacial growth anomalies in non-syndromic children, airway obstruction in sleep disorders and concomitant orofacial dysfunctions. Sharon Moore is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book  ‘Sleep Wrecked Kids'. In this episode, the first in a two-part series, we chat about some of the simple things that may improve sleep for your child, and how easy it can be to miss the red flags indicating sleep quality is compromised.   The first two chapters of  Sleep Wrecked Kids are free to download  on  http://www.wellspoken.com.auFor information on the SnoreLab app see http://www.snorelab.comFor information on full membership of The  Endeavour Group to which Sharon refers to in this episode see the show notes at: http://www.beyondbrushing.com

Jacqueline Biggar is a Sydney based  Oral Health Therapist who recently made the move to offer routine preventive dental services where it is most needed by clients. Jacquie's mobile dental ‘clinic' is totally portable and allows clients to receive basic dental care and hygiene services comfort and confines of their own home or care facility. Every dental clinician acknowledges that are clients (especially older clients) are often unable to access traditional dental visits for routine or preventive dental care either temporarily or permanently.  In July 2020, Oral Health Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists became independent practitioners and are now able to ‘branch out' and reach those who are most often overlooked and incredibly vulnerable from an oral health perspective. In this episode, Jacquie shares her journey into the field of independent practice, her passions for preventive care and vision for her future as a clinical provider. We discuss the innovations which are taking place across Australia in light of the new regulatory changes and how this is going to benefit both the population and clinical staff as the need increases and the workforce adapts. Jacquie's mobile dental practice 'Senior Dental Care' is based in Sydney, NSW.  https://seniordentalcare.com.au/admin@seniordentalcare.com.au

Have you ever asked yourself the question ‘what exactly is Orofacial Myology' or ‘what does an Orofacial Myologist do? Orofacial Myologists are registered allied health practitioners who already hold extensive knowledge and familiarity with the head and neck and who have undertaken further (and ongoing) study to combine their pre-existing knowledge and experience to offer functional assistance for clients. In this episode, I explain how orofacial myofunctional therapy can be an important adjunct to traditional health services and the approach that Townsvile Orofacial Myology takes to help clients obtain and maintain improved health outcomes. Clients often seek ‘OM' to prepare for oral or airway surgery,  for rehabilitation afterwards or to help address incorrect habits or poor function. There is no typical client and each case is individually assessed. TOfM is Townsville's only independent clinic and as such, clients are able to seek help and advice while continuing to work with their existing health care providers, incorporating orofacial myofunctional therapy without bias.   In this same way, for regional or remote clients where 'face to face'  visits may not be practical, telehealth services available. Further information can be found and contact details are available  at:www.townsvilleofm.com.au  

Tongue ties, (tethered oral tissues or restricted oral frenums) have been present and acknowledged as a concern as far back as the Biblical times. However, the ramifications of not recognising the impact for the patient is gaining greater attention from many different sectors of health care and especially now that there is a great understanding of how restrictions can impact the day to day life of those who are affected.In this interview, I chat with chiropractor, Dr Stevanie Bahnerth and release provider, Dr Cara Riek, who live and work in Arizona and collaborate to support clients in their remediation when restrictions have been identified as contributing to ongoing health issues.While the release may be relatively simple in an older child or adult, the compensations that the patient has made in an effort to deal with the restrictions in their own particular circumstance takes a greater understanding by the practitioners who are assisting their clients, as well as extra work by those clients. Therefore, the importance of a collaborative approach is not lost on those who are helping patients to regain improved function whether before or after a frenectomy. The positive health gains reported from those who have experienced releases in a collaborative health care model cannot be dismissed.The information discussed in this episode will provide valuable information for those who are considering releases, who have been identified as having ties or those who may be gathering information in an effort to understand this area of health care. Further information on this subject can be found at:Dr Stevanie Bahnerth  Healthy Images29455 N Cave Creek Rd Ste 124, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331Dr Cara RiekArizona Breastfeeding Medicine and Wellness Centre www.bfmedaz.com/tongue-tie Cathy BoyceTownsville Orofacial Myology Clinicwww.townsvilleofm.com.au       

So when has the quality of your sleep been a concern for your dental practitioner?Sahil Bareja is a dental clinician and has his masters in sleep medicine. In this episode, I chat with Sahil about this area of oral health care and how we are seeing huge wellness gains in our clients when the ‘red flags' are noticed and the clients are steered in the right direction.Since the discovery that all not all teeth grinding stress-related, and that there are proven associations between sleep and other systemic health concerns including oral health problems,  dental practitioners who are trained to look for signs and symptoms see things with a different set of eyes! Patients who are otherwise presenting as ‘well' may be helped in more ways than they know.Sahil has extensive knowledge on this subject and shares many of these during this episode. The information Sahil discussed in this episode is important for those who want to live their best life! More information on Sahil: https://www.shellcovedental.com.au/about-us/sahil-bareja/24941 Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinichttps://www.townsvilleofm.com.au 

The insight of a general dentist with a mind that never stopped learning (and discovering) is now playing a significant role in helping a wide range of the population. When Dr Kevin Bourke, a Newcastle (Australia) based practitioner invented a chewing device in the 1960's he was ahead of his time. His insight then into the orofacial myofunctional world is playing out today into the lives of young and old and in this episode, I chat with his daughter and CEO of Myo Munchee Australia Dr Mary Bourke. We look at the history of the ‘munchee', the realms in which it is now being used and the effectiveness across a broad spectrum of care applications.  An experienced and passionate chiropractor herself,  Mary brings explains the role the chewing plays in physical and cognitive development and together we address some of the issues we see that are hampering a variety of the natural development and ongoing wellness in society today, and how the MyoMunchee is playing a beneficial role in regaining some lost ground for our clients.  

From a geographical perspective, the ability to access dental care in Australia is certainly not an equal field. Lyn Carman, a South Australian Dental Hygienist, Life Coach and innovator is passionate about prevention, access to care and collaboration. In the first part of this interview,  Lyn explains how an innovative team of health professionals is exploring ways the population of rural and remote areas of South Australia can be best serviced. The project has been designed and driven by those who are already working in that geographical area. Not only have they recognised the need for their specific population, but they are also driven to find appropriate answers.Lyn has also been a light in the sometimes grey times for many dental clinicians this year through her efforts to help bring perspective to the 2020 COVID 19 ''season'' the world is experiencing. Lyn and I discuss opportunities which have presented themselves during this time and how this can be a season for positive change. There are some gems of information in this episode for everyone, and Lyn's perspective on career evolution is refreshing. For further information:email Lyn: excel@lyncconsulting.com.auwww.lyncconsulting.com.au (new website under constructionFacebook group:  ‘Rural health for oral health professionals'   

Vaping the new 'cool', with serious health consequences.In this episode, I chat with Debbie Hume to gain an insight into the reality of what is happening when adolescents (and adults) adopt this new trend. Debbie is Dental Hygienist with a Graduate Diploma in Restorative Hygiene (University of Toronto), a clinical educator in oral health at the University of Melbourne and several leading dental companies, and is currently doing her Masters degree in clinical teaching at the University of Melbourne. Debbie is also one of Australia's experts in client and clinician education on the matter of nicotine addiction. She explains the very real health threats that accompany the seemingly ‘harmless' trend of vaping, a trend that is replacing the use of cigarettes in the younger generation.The eye-opening information in this episode should serve as a warning to the wider community on the damaging effects vaping has on mental and physical health and the permanency of some of the outcomes.Further information on this subject can be found through the following sources:https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/e-cigarettes.htmlwww.quit.org.auhttps://childmind.org/article/teen-vaping-what-you-need-to-know/https://drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/What-You-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Talk-to-Your-Kids-About-Vaping-Guide-Partnership-for-Drug-Free-Kids.pdf

This week in Australia it is the ADA's official Dental Health Week. The theme is 'How much sugar is hiding in your trolley?' and I have invited Tabitha Acret to have (another) chat about our thoughts, experiences and tips 'n tricks to help you and your family understand a little more on this subject. Tabitha is a respected and experienced Dental Hygienist in the Aussie preventive dental world and it is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with her over the airwaves. In this episode we are discussing the hidden sugars in foods, how the amount consumed can be much greater than one thinks, what to look for in the supermarket and how the increase in sugar consumption can affect your oral health. Tabitha has some great tips for families who want to move in the right direction!Our podcasts are informal, fun ....and hopefully educational!

The issue of tongue ties affecting infant feeding is not new, but it has become more topical in the past few years as parents have begun to value the role that breastfeeding plays in early nutrition and oral development. The WHO recommends that babies exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and encourage that it continues up to two years of age. However, for those who choose this for their baby, what are the barriers to a successful breastfeeding (or even bottle-feeding) journey for a mother and baby? In what way does a tongue tie affect this?Dr Cara Riek, is an Arizona based health practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC ) who assists families to achieve positive breastfeeding outcomes through thorough evaluation of both the mother and baby and, if required, provides a release of the tethered oral tissues via laser procedure at her specialist practice, the Arizona Breastfeeding Medicine and Wellness Centre.In this episode, Dr Cara explains the physics of successful feeding and why the baby's muscle movement is so important. We discuss the possible reasons why we are seeing an increase in the prevalence of ties and parents seeking assistance and the recommendation for aftercare.  This episode also provides a glimpse into some of the ongoing effects that tongue ties can present for an older child or adult now that Dr Cara's services are increasingly sought after for the wellness journey for older patients as well.Further information on the  Arizona Breastfeeding Medicine and Wellness Centre can be found on their website  http://bfmedaz.comDr Cara Riek can be contacted via email: support@bfmedaz.comInternational Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) of Australia and New Zealand  https://www.lcanz.org/Worldwide register: https://iblce.org/public-registry/ Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinic http://www.townsvilleofm.com.au

The art of breathing well, (physiologically correctly that is) may well be regarded as a  “lost art” in this day and age. In this episode, I chat with breathing educator and developer of the BreatheAbility®  breathing retraining method, Tess Graham. Tess is an Australian physiotherapist who found early in her career that her own children were developing asthma, and yet her training was largely unable to offer the help that she needed and wanted for her them. With much research and further study, Tess managed to forge a way of helping not only her own children but children and adults of all ages. Their improved day to day breathing techniques led to significant gains in general health and wellness for her clients.Tess explains the basics of her BreatheAbility® technique and the ease in which it can be incorporated into everyday life. She describes some of the advantages that addressing the basic method of improving oxygen intake has on the body. It is about optimising every breath you take!Tess no longer sees clients directly but has concentrated the latter part of her career in educating other allied health practitioners enabling them to incorporate a simple but highly effective breathing technique to their own communities.An international speaker, author and health advocate Tess has been instrumental in my own education pathway and has been a huge advantage in assisting my clients in matters pertaining to their own health and wellness improvement. For further information:Tess Graham website: BreatheAbility.comBook: Relief from Snoring and Sleep Apnoea-by Tess GrahamBook: Relief from Anxiety and Panic-by Tess GrahamOnline Breathing Course:  "BreatheAway" with Tess Graham:   BreatheAway.com.au For orofacial myofunctional therapy help and advice:Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinic: http://www.townsvilleofm.com.au 

What is integrative dental care?  As an experienced dentist and Chinese medicine practitioner, Dr Christine May BDS (Hons) BHSc(TCM) explains the integrative dentistry concept, and we get an insight into the relationship that diet and lifestyle have on oral health from this perspective. Dr May operates her successful Facewell Integrative Dental clinic via telehealth FaceWell.com.au and also has teledentistry dental advice service for patients and practitioners.- Hellovide.com.au  We discuss the way telehealth concept can benefit the individual client and how this method is already assisting her clients to achieve improved systemic outcomes.  The telehealth concept is increasingly accepted as a means of sourcing and providing expert advice and is proving to be a valuable aid in the preparation for more conventional face to face dental services.Dr May is leading the way in this area in Australia and has been generous in sharing her experiences with other dental practitioners as the profession faces new challenges in 2020.

The words ‘'cavities can stop'' is both a question and a statement! In this episode, USA's Dr Jeremy Horst DDS, MD, PhD helps us understand why he is such an advocate for silver fluorides and is leading the world in education and research in the material and its beneficial effects.Dr Horst is a scientist and paediatric dentist and, with an enquiring mind, was looking for an answer to the problem of tooth decay. When silver fluorides were presented to him as an option, he embarked on research and use in clinical practice. Combining advanced scientific research and positive clinical outcomes, Dr Horst is one of the world's most knowledgeable practitioners and clinical educators.   (This information is presented in non-dental terms so that the whole community can understand the benefits available to them.) Dr Horst and Cathy discuss some of the advantages using silver fluorides have had for their patients and discusses the modern-day approach to managing dental decay from a clinical and scientific perspective. As Dr Horst's outstanding (and exhaustive) research continues the gains for patients and clinicians will continue into the future. The graphic we spoke about in the interview can be seen in the show notes in the Beyond Brushing website. www.beyondbrushing.com

In this episode, the second of a two-part series focusing on dentures, dental  prosthetist Shane Chambers explains what it takes to make the perfect full or 'complete' denture, how this can be achieved and the difference it makes to the clients. Shane's explanation provides insight into the intricate and artistic aspects required to achieve a well-fitting, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing denture and how the means to achieving this are far removed from a ''one size fits all'' process. Shane is also a PBS clinical educator and trains other clinicians in this unique impression system so that fit and function of dentures are optimal. In Shane's experience, this system ensures that the dentures provide the patient with optimal eating, drinking, swallowing and speaking outcomes.  If you know nothing about dentures or want to know more for yourself, a family member or client, then this second episode discussing complete dentures will be as enlightening, encouraging and reassuring as the first on was. Listeners will gain a balanced and alternative view from someone who is a craftsman in his field. Further information is available at  https://www.shanechambersdental.com.au/or via email:  shane.a.chambers@gmail.com 

Shane Chambers is a talented, passionate, dedicated and understanding dental clinician whose role within the dental team is to assist clients in obtaining the best outcomes in their denture experience.  As a dental prosthetist, Shane helps his clients traverse these often tricky waters to achieve an acceptable, functional, long-lasting and above all comfortable denture wearing experience.Shane also is a PBS clinical educator and trains other clinicians in this unique impression system so that fit and function are optimal. In Shane's experience, this ‘system' ensures that the remaining natural teeth and the denture work harmoniously for the patient providing optimal eating, drinking, swallowing and speaking outcomes.  If you know nothing about dentures or want to know more for yourself, a family member or client, then this episode discussing partial dentures (and the following episode focusing on full dentures) will be enlightening, encouraging and reassuring. Listeners will gain a balanced and alternative view from someone who is an expert in the world of modern dentures and show you they are not just a  ‘thing of the past' but a viable option in today's dental care plans! 

Ever thought about how difficult is it to clean dentures, bite splints, night guards or mouthguards? Probably not unless you wear them… or have to care for someone who does!  With the confirmed links of poor oral health and adverse general health problems, it is a question that again we need to explore!  As a dentst, Dr Mark Wotherspoon, recognised the need for improvement in this area and, along with a team he brought together, invented Dr Mark's HyGenie. This easy to use device is designed for folks of all ages and abilities. 'Dr Mark's HyGenie' and the accompanying aids effectively clean the appliances, avoid potential damage and ensures additional bacterial elimination while efficiently meeting the highest of recommended standards for appliance cleaning.Once again, the relationship between oral and systemic health and disease is explained by Dr Wotherspoon, a passionate advocate for improved health outcomes for each one of his clients.Additional information on Dr Mark's HyGenie or to purchase any products in Dr Mark's range can be found at  https://drmarkshygenie.com/

Dr Mark Wotherspoon is a general dental practitioner who has founded a private mobile dental practice to serve members of the community where they most needed it- in their own home. Dr Mark explains how he found his way into his dental career and how, through passion, experience and opportunities, the ‘Dentist To Your Door' concept was birthed.His mobile dental service caters to the needs of clients who cannot otherwise attend regular dental clinics for their dental care. Dr Wotherspoon has a unique and practical approach with peppered with personal experience and provides an insight into the provision of appropriate oral health care in this vulnerable population base, and the implications with systemic health and the importance of maintaining patients dignity for the client for their sake and on behalf of their families. In this episode, we explore the challenges of remote dental care and the role that teledentistry can play in helping to overcome some problems.Dentist to your Door is a unique service in an inland city in country NSW (Australia) which provides much needed oral wellness opportunities for some of our most venerable community members. 

Tabitha Acret is an experienced dental hygienist and a popular guest on Beyond Brushing because of her knowledge, relevance and enjoyable discussions. When Tabitha and Cathy discovered they had both written articles this year outlining the oral health concerns that are often noted in teenagers they decided to share and discuss them in this episode. Teens are particularly vulnerable to changes and challenges, and these years are considered ‘high risk' in the dental community. Emerging independence, changing hormones, social risk-taking and lack of knowledge plays a significant role in the way teens think and act in many behaviours…and ‘health habits' are often neglected. Having raised teens and emerged out the other side, Tabitha and Cathy aim to offer you or your teens some insight into issues which can adversely impact health…and perhaps provide comfort to parents who cannot yet see the light a the end of the tunnel!

Bonus Episode! These are challenging and uncertain times and the unexpected and sudden changes in lifestyle, diet, emotions and plans may cause some of the routine habits that are sometimes so natural to fall by the wayside. Unknowingly, these may have a considerable impact in oral and systemic health and now and in the future. Tabitha and Cathy discuss some of these changes, and what they often see is commonly occur in times like these. This ‘fireside like' chat may help you understand the impact of subtle (or significant) disruptions to ‘normal' life may have for you and your loved ones! 

Dr David McIntosh is a Queensland based paediatric ENT. He is also a passionate educator to other health professional steams regarding the importance of recognising symptoms of airway compromise in children and adults, and the flow-on effect of leaving them undiagnosed or untreated. David is particularly aware of the role that dental examinations play in recognition of these symptoms and how clients can benefit if addressed. He explains the impact problems such as snoring, mouth breathing and sleep apnoea and reflux have - and the ‘knock-on' effects for the whole body, with particular concern for cardiovascular and brain health when there are no ‘back-up' systems.  David also explains the factors that should be considered when dealing with snoring, including the use of C-PAP, for best outcomes, and how children's brains are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances. He also explains the studies linking sleep-disordered breathing and ADHD in children. His book ‘Snored to death. Are you dying in your sleep?' published in 2017, has been written with the general public in mind, with easy to understand explanations and is a valuable tool in helping to piece together the concerns he has for health and wellness from an ENT's perspective. He was awarded the 2016 Optus Business award on behalf of ENT Specialists for the Business of the year in the Health and Wellbeing category and continues to educate both professionals and the general public through his online presence and continuing education events. Further resources and information can be found in the show notes on the website:  www.beyondbrushing.com

Can cleaning your teeth really improve your health? Find out the real reason why you need to clean your teeth well, and how the impact of poor oral hygiene practices can adversely affect every part of your body. Tabitha Acret is a dental hygienist and clinical educator, and one of the most passionate communicators on dental biofilm in Australia. Tabitha explains the impact of dental biofilm as it relates to diabetes management, general health and wellness and describes how pregnancy-related complications can also be attributed to untreated gum disease. 

Kylie Svaricek is a Townsville based Dental Hygienist. Kylie is experienced in all aspects of teeth whitening from store-bought to that supplied and applied by your dental professional. Whitening teeth is a popular modern-day addition to personal presentation and there are some big decisions to be made in deciding what is right for you. Cathy and Kylie discuss the differences in available whitening materials and techniques and what to consider if you are considering whitening your teeth. They cover everything from home care kits to the most professional application options to help you understand what may be right (or wrong) with some of the available techniques so your choice can be safe and effective. 

What makes for a great start to lifelong oral health and wellness for your child? Erin Page is a Townsville based Oral Health Therapist who, like Cathy, has a passion for oral health and wellness. Both enjoy the challenge of treating young children and giving them an opportunity for a great start in life from an oral health perspective. Cathy and Erin chat about their approach to helping their little patients get a great head start in dental care. The early years are the cornerstone of ongoing oral health and wellness. In this episode, you will discover some valuable information to help you start your little ones on the right track.

The use of silver fluorides in dental care to manage dental decay has been used in many countries around the world for over 50 years. The use in Australia began in the 1970s, pioneered by Dr Graham Craig and his colleagues from Sydney University. It was born out of necessity to help provide dental care for children who had high needs and an unparalleled fear of traditional dental care. Dr Craig developed a world-first water-based solution was developed to help with this situation.Cathy and Dr Craig discuss these early days, the reintroduction of silver fluorides into contemporary care and the differences using silver fluorides is having in modern dental settings for consumers of all ages.

#3  Pat and Cathy are both orofacial myologists with dental backgrounds. The role of incorrect muscular movement and strength can adversely affect the development of oral habits, breathing, chewing and speaking and can be a powerful force in changing the shape of the teeth and jaws. They discuss their roles and the experiences that have made this part of their career so rewarding.

At the beginning of every winter sporting season there is an accompanying season that the dental team calls ‘mouthguard season'. This is a light-hearted discussion with seriously valuable information. So what makes a well-fitting mouthguard and why are some made differently than others? What are the advantages of some styles over others? Cathy interviews Shane Chambers, a Townsville based dental prosthetist, martial arts academy owner and instructor (and dad) to find out more.

#1: As the mountain of evidence is growing linking poor dental health, incorrect habits and poor oral function with adverse overall health outcomes, Cathy Boyce, an Oral Health Therapist and Orofacial Myologist and educator from Australia explores and explains aspects of oral health and the interplay on general health and wellness for children through to our most senior citizens.Interviewing both experts and ‘on the ground' clinicians, you will gain an understanding of optimal oral health considerations and how you can recognise where you can initiate changes or at least know where to seek help!