Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based therapy program. It is like physical therapy, only for the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face. The exercises are designed specifically to train proper breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a person to stop breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, and a host of other health problems. For many people, the most effective treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps to keep the airway open during sleep.

As a hygienist, I focus on mouths and teeth and now throats and airways. With children, I notice crowded or crooked teeth, high vaulted palates, strong tongue thrusting, chapped lips, mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils, speech issues, and some behavioral challenges. I will point out visual signs of concern and ask some routine questions about behavior and habits, etc. Then I ask if they notice if their child snores, sleeps with mouth open, or is restless at night. Most parents can’t answer those questions. I ask if they have watched their child sleep and the most common answer includes, “I really have never watched my child sleep, should I?”

Nonnutritive sucking habits such as pacifiers and thumb sucking can have a detrimental effect on growth and development, causing open bites, cross bites, and altered occlusion, which can lead to eating challenges, nutritional deficiencies, narrow airways, and sleep-disordered breathing.

Planning nursery themes, picking out names, going to doctors appointments – the list is endless and finding time for the dentist is usually at the end of the list; however, it is one of the most important things you can do for you and your unborn child.

It’s every parent’s desire to provide their children with the ability to live their happiest and healthiest life possible. Now you can. Post Falls Family Dental is proud to announce that we are now a Healthy Start provider and are specially trained to help improve your child’s health.

It’s a scary truth that heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Every 43 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack and every 4 minutes a life is taken by a stroke. Can you think of a friend or loved one whose life was forever altered by one of these devastating events? What if I told you that these conditions have been proven to be 100% preventable, even if you have a family history of heart disease, and that Post Falls Family Dental has the tools to help lower your risk?

As dentists, we try not to “smile shame” people. We never analyze, study, and embarrass patients or friends alike. But most people aren’t aware of the possibilities and solutions for a smile they’ve always wanted!

A question we get a lot is “Why, as a Dental office, are you doing Botox?” There are several good reasons for this. One is that it has many valuable benefits in the dental world. Dentists and Hygienists are highly educated in head and neck anatomy and physiology.

Fingernails are one of the aspects of the human body that differentiates us from other mammals. Humans are primates, so they possess nails rather than sharp claws. This not only allows us to be grade-A back scratchers, but it is also much more convenient for completing everyday tasks that would be impossible if we were armed with thick claws.

Halloween is right around the corner and little goblins will be trick-or-treating to collect as much candy as they can, but it’s not just the kids enjoying the treats.  According to the Delta Dental Children’s Oral Health survey, nearly 80% of parents admit they eat their children’s candy! The sugar in those treats can scare you by playing unwanted tricks on your teeth if you’re not careful. 

Fall is in the air! And what that means is back to school, Sunday football and sports! Lots and lots of sports. If your child is in any contact sport it is very important and sometimes required to have protection for their mouth. This could certainly cut down on the frantic Saturday afternoon phone calls.

Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayuryedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for about 20 minutes first thing in the morning. This technique has been known to draw toxins out of the body.

What does “good oral hygiene” really mean?  The phrase “good oral hygiene” refers to three important practices you should do for taking the best care of your teeth and gum tissues. Mayo Clinic published an article discussing how the follow three practices can help improve your oral health. Furthermore, research shows that your oral health and overall health are connected more than previously thought.