Mouth Breathers

by Dr. Chelsie Todd

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of airway health and functional medicine.

Each episode features in-depth discussions and expert interviews focusing on various aspects of airway health. We'll cover topics like:

  • The transition from traditional medicine to airway-focused practices
  • The importance of proper tongue posture and nasal breathing
  • Innovative treatments for airway issu ... 
 ...  Read more

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Health Decisions: The Impact of Sleep, Diet, and Hormones | Mouth Breathers Ep. 8

    Health Decisions: The Impact of Sleep, Diet, and Hormones | Mouth Breathers Ep. 8

    Join us in this engaging episode where we tackle a 'Would You Rather' challenge featuring bizarre food choices—a tarantula versus fermented salmon. Get ready for laugh-out-loud moments and surprising answers! We also delve into deep discussions on topics like choosing outfits for eternity, the desire to be remembered as a great mom, and the unparalleled joy of grandparenting. Learn fascinating insights on the significant impact of sleep hygiene, the role of tonsils and adenoids in sleep health, and the cumulative toll of poor sleep from childhood to adulthood. This episode wraps up with personal stories on sleep habits, surgery experiences, and the evolving treatments for sleep disorders. Don't miss out on these heartfelt conversations full of humor, wisdom, and valuable life advice. 00:00 Introduction and Question of the Day 00:20 Would You Rather: Tarantula vs. Fermented Salmon 02:10 Outfit for the Casket 03:14 Cremation and Memorial Preferences 08:28 Impact of Sleep on Health 19:22 Childhood Sleep Issues and Their Effects 22:17 Impact of Mouth Breathing on Bedwetting 23:16 Tonsils and Adenoids: To Remove or Not? 25:22 Personal Experiences with Tonsillectomy 29:13 Infant Tongue Tie and Body Work 36:04 The Importance of Sleep Quality 37:49 Family Habits and Sleep Patterns 41:18 Modern Toiletry Innovations 43:40 Conclusion and Farewell 43:51 Ranch Life and Wildlife Encounters

  • Discussing Tongue Ties and Dental Health | Mouth Breathers Ep. 7

    Discussing Tongue Ties and Dental Health | Mouth Breathers Ep. 7

    In this episode, Dr. Todd and Dr. McRae dive deep into various topics related to airway health. They discuss the busy patient flow at the office and highlight an interesting case involving myofunctional therapy. The conversation covers the history and significance of tongue tie releases, shedding light on historical practices and current trends. They also debate the implications of dental extractions, particularly early extractions in children, and the importance of airway-focused orthodontics. The episode touches on the benefits and controversies of mouth taping for sleep apnea and the potential of different treatment methods, including CPAP, oral appliances, and the Inspire device. Tune in to learn more about the complexities of airway health, the evolution of dental practices, and the latest advancements in sleep apnea treatments. 00:00 Office Life and Patient Stories 01:35 Olympic Athletes and Breathing Techniques 05:10 Historical Practices of Tongue Tie Releases 08:24 Evolution of Jaw Structure and Modern Diet 13:51 Controversies in Dental Extractions 23:13 Orthodontic Practices and Early Tooth Extraction 24:29 Bone Loss from Tooth Extraction 25:49 Airway Orthodontics and Early Intervention 27:24 Growth Phases of a Child's Skull 29:46 Controversies in Airway Space: Tongue Ties 35:49 Mouth Taping: Pros and Cons 39:54 CPAP Alternatives and Controversial Treatments 45:36 Inspire Device for Sleep Apnea 47:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • The Truth About Tongue Ties: Myths, Misdiagnoses, and Solutions | Mouth Breathers Ep. 6

    The Truth About Tongue Ties: Myths, Misdiagnoses, and Solutions | Mouth Breathers Ep. 6

    In this episode, Dr. McRae and Dr. Todd discuss the complex topic of tongue ties in infants. They delve into the recent American Academy of Pediatrics article, the potential for overdiagnosis, and the importance of establishing what is normal regarding frenula. The conversation also touches on the role of lactation specialists, bodywork like chiropractic and craniosacral therapy, and the pros and cons of different treatment methods such as scissors versus CO2 laser. Personal experiences, including Dr. Todd's journey with her son and a touching story of a family whose baby faced failure to thrive, underscore the discussion. The episode emphasizes the need for thorough consultations and individualized care plans for mothers and babies facing breastfeeding challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:07 Unexpected Topic: Tongue Tie Release 01:18 Discussion on Tongue Tie Overdiagnosis 03:27 Importance of Lactation Specialists 04:57 Personal Experience with Tongue Tie 09:43 Choosing the Right Tools for Tongue Tie Release 18:10 The Role of Body Work in Tongue Tie Treatment 25:59 Challenges and Considerations in Tongue Tie Procedures 30:18 The Importance of Early Pediatric Checkups 30:25 A Heartbreaking Case of a Baby Not Thriving 30:59 The Role of Lactation Consultants 32:11 The Emotional Impact on Parents 34:40 The Critical Nature of Informed Consent 39:09 The Value of Trusting Your Gut 44:47 The I Beam Scenario: Prioritizing What Matters Most 49:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

  • Breathing New Life: Dr. Chelsie Todd’s Airway Advocacy | Mouth Breathers Ep. 5

    Breathing New Life: Dr. Chelsie Todd’s Airway Advocacy | Mouth Breathers Ep. 5

    Join Dr. McRae and Dr. Chelsie Todd as they dive deep into Dr. Todd's inspiring journey into dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and airway health. They discuss the importance of early intervention, tongue ties, orthodontics, and the groundbreaking methods of on-demand orthodontics. This episode offers valuable insights for parents and practitioners about the crucial connections between dental health, airway issues, and overall well-being in children. 00:00 Introduction and First Meeting 00:45 Journey into Dentistry 03:58 Discovering Pediatric Dentistry 06:43 Airway and Sleep Dentistry 10:02 Challenges and Rewards in Airway Dentistry 12:59 Early Intervention and Tongue Ties 18:52 Ideal Practices for Infant Oral Health 26:09 Early Dental Visits and Orthodontic Referrals 26:58 Importance of Early Growth and Development 27:18 Behavioral and Developmental Red Flags 27:39 Case Study: Early Intervention Success 28:21 Impact of Mouth Breathing and Sleep Issues 29:18 Aligners for Young Children 29:59 Signs Parents Should Look For 32:49 Aligner Therapy and Monitoring 35:32 Challenges and Solutions in Orthodontics 42:18 Advanced Imaging and Treatment Planning 46:14 Compliance and Benefits of Aligners 46:53 Expanding Treatment Options 50:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Sleep, Behavior, and Breathing: Insights from a Myofunctional Therapist | Mouth Breathers Ep. 4

    Sleep, Behavior, and Breathing: Insights from a Myofunctional Therapist | Mouth Breathers Ep. 4

    In this episode of 'Mouth Breathers,' Nathan steps in to interview Chelsea Hansen, a myofunctional therapist with Breathe Airway. Chelsea shares her journey from being a dental hygienist to becoming a myofunctional therapist, driven by personal experiences with her own children. They discuss the importance of correcting mouth posture, tongue position, and lip seal to improve overall health and prevent complications. Chelsea explains how myofunctional therapy addresses issues such as mouth breathing, tongue ties, and poor sleep quality. She highlights the significance of early intervention in childhood and the potential impact on behavior and mental health. The conversation touches on common misconceptions, the influence of diet and lifestyle, and the benefits of nasal breathing. Chelsea also shares a compelling success story of a young patient who transformed his life through myofunctional therapy. Tune in to learn more about the holistic approach to airway health and practical tips for better breathing. 00:00 Introduction to Mouth Breathing Issues 00:58 Meet the Myofunctional Therapist 01:35 Journey to Becoming a Myofunctional Therapist 03:19 Understanding Myofunctional Therapy 04:23 The Role of Tongue Posture and Breathing 06:07 Patient Referrals and Interdisciplinary Collaboration 07:23 The Importance of Addressing Tongue Ties 09:19 Therapy Process and Patient Experiences 14:07 Impact of Tongue Ties on Mental Health 16:51 Parental Observations and ADHD Correlations 18:43 Personal Reflections and Professional Insights 21:35 Common Misconceptions and Awareness 25:16 Diet, Lifestyle, and Jaw Development 26:12 The Impact of Modern Diet on Jaw Development 27:31 Consequences of Small Jaws and Mouth Breathing 28:30 Genetics vs. Lifestyle in Facial Development 30:57 Nasal Breathing and Myofunctional Therapy 36:00 Success Stories and Patient Experiences 39:56 Identifying and Addressing Tongue Ties 44:33 The Importance of Proper Oral Posture 46:31 Conclusion and Contact Information