My Journey

I have always joked that I have “the smallest mouth in the world”. I had no idea until I began learning about OMDs how much my small mouth could actually impact my overall health.

When I was 10, I had 4 permanent teeth removed in preparation for retraction-style orthodontics. What that means is that my orthodontist planned to make more space for my permanent teeth by REMOVING some permanent teeth and pulling everything back. This left me with a smaller than normal palate, and therefore my airway development was changed.

Luckily, I have always been a nasal breather, so I did not have any of the problems that are associated with mouth breathing.

I did, however, clench and grind my teeth. I gradually started snoring and in my early 40’s began noticing the detrimental effects of sleep disordered breathing.  I was sleeping poorly and developing hypertension and anxiety. I had headaches and muscle pain. I was on the fast track to bigger health problems. Little did I know most of these issues were related to my OMDs.

Since studying OMT, I decided to put myself through my own exercise regimen. I have noticed a major reduction in teeth clenching, headaches, and my sleep has improved greatly, thus reducing my stress and anxiety levels. I have also noticed that my sinuses are more clear and my allergies have lessened. I still have a long way to go on my journey, but so far I have been enjoying the results.