ASAP Pathway: THE PODCAST Ep.48, A Journey in Dentistry to Helping Kids Breathe, Sleep and Function Well, Dr. Ben Miralgia
Apr 28, 2025
01:04:22
In this podcast, Dr. Ben Miralgia, a general dentist with over 31 years of experience, discusses the evolution of orthodontics and the importance of early intervention in children's dental health. He shares his journey from traditional restorative dentistry to discovering expansive orthodontics, which focuses on jaw development rather than just aligning teeth. The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of early soft foods on jaw growth and the resulting prevalence of malocclusion in children.
Dr. Becker emphasizes the need for early treatment to promote proper jaw size and function, which can prevent issues like mouth breathing and enlarged tonsils and adenoids. He argues that many children do not require tonsillectomies if proper orthodontic techniques and myofunctional therapy are employed. The discussion underscores the significance of addressing these issues early to improve overall health outcomes for children. This episode is crucial as it advocates for a shift in dental practices to prioritize jaw growth and function, ultimately benefiting children's long-term health.
This is the ASAP Pathway Podcast, Airway, Sleep, and Pediatric Pathway, where sleep and airway health take center stage, one breath at a time. VISIT: ASAP Pathway
Please subscribe, share, and tune in to future episodes of how we can help children live their best lives, one breath, and restful night's sleep at a time. Don't miss this exciting launch into a world of knowledge and transformation.
Because Kids Can't Wait...
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CHAPTERS
00:03 - Transforming dentistry for kids
13:52 - Early intervention in orthodontics
21:36 - Mouth breathing and health issues
34:10 - The role of expansion
46:58 - Skeletal growth and myofunctional therapy
01:02:02 - Collaborative efforts in dentistry
LEARNINGS:
What motivated the speaker to shift from restorative dentistry to expansive orthodontics?
The speaker was motivated by dissatisfaction with the outcomes of traditional orthodontic treatments and a desire to find better alternatives for children's dental health.
How does early treatment in orthodontics differ from traditional methods according to the speaker?
Early treatment focuses on jaw growth rather than just aligning teeth, allowing for natural positioning of teeth as the jaws develop, which can prevent issues like crowded teeth.
What role does diet play in jaw development and dental health as discussed in the podcast?
The podcast highlights that a shift to softer foods in infancy can weaken oral musculature, leading to underdeveloped jaws and malocclusion, which is not a genetic issue but rather an environmental one.
What is the relationship between mouth breathing and the enlargement of tonsils and adenoids?
Dr. Miralgia discusses mouth breathing is identified as a primary cause of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, as it disrupts normal breathing patterns and affects the function of the diaphragm, leading to further respiratory issues. Dr. Becker discusses how the literature points to resident viruses as the culprit as well...however...expansion techniques are showing shrinkage post expansion and more answers may come in the future with further research.
What does the Dr Miralgia suggest about the effectiveness of upper expanders in orthodontic treatment?
The speaker argues that upper expanders alone are often ineffective without addressing nasal breathing and tongue space, as they do not provide sufficient skeletal changes or improvements in symptoms.
This is the ASAP Pathway Podcast, Airway, Sleep, and Pediatric Pathway, where sleep and airway health take center stage, one breath at a time. VISIT: ASAP Pathway
Please subscribe, share, and tune in to future episodes of how we can help children live their best lives, one breath, and restful night's sleep at a time. Don't miss this exciting launch into a world of knowledge and transformation.
Because Kids Can't Wait...
ASAP YouTube
ASAP YouTube Music
ASAP on Spotify
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ASAP Apple Podcast
Dr. Becker emphasizes the need for early treatment to promote proper jaw size and function, which can prevent issues like mouth breathing and enlarged tonsils and adenoids. He argues that many children do not require tonsillectomies if proper orthodontic techniques and myofunctional therapy are employed. The discussion underscores the significance of addressing these issues early to improve overall health outcomes for children. This episode is crucial as it advocates for a shift in dental practices to prioritize jaw growth and function, ultimately benefiting children's long-term health.
This is the ASAP Pathway Podcast, Airway, Sleep, and Pediatric Pathway, where sleep and airway health take center stage, one breath at a time. VISIT: ASAP Pathway
Please subscribe, share, and tune in to future episodes of how we can help children live their best lives, one breath, and restful night's sleep at a time. Don't miss this exciting launch into a world of knowledge and transformation.
Because Kids Can't Wait...
- CLICK HERE To Find an ASAP Pathway Provider
- CLICK HERE To Become an ASAP Pathway Provider
- CLICK HERE FOR ASAP Pathway IN-PERSON COURSES
- CLICK HERE To See If Your Child Is At Risk!
- ASAP FREE GIFT AND E NEWSLETTER
IG Dr Ben Miralgia
FB Airway Health Solutions
CHAPTERS
00:03 - Transforming dentistry for kids
13:52 - Early intervention in orthodontics
21:36 - Mouth breathing and health issues
34:10 - The role of expansion
46:58 - Skeletal growth and myofunctional therapy
01:02:02 - Collaborative efforts in dentistry
LEARNINGS:
What motivated the speaker to shift from restorative dentistry to expansive orthodontics?
The speaker was motivated by dissatisfaction with the outcomes of traditional orthodontic treatments and a desire to find better alternatives for children's dental health.
How does early treatment in orthodontics differ from traditional methods according to the speaker?
Early treatment focuses on jaw growth rather than just aligning teeth, allowing for natural positioning of teeth as the jaws develop, which can prevent issues like crowded teeth.
What role does diet play in jaw development and dental health as discussed in the podcast?
The podcast highlights that a shift to softer foods in infancy can weaken oral musculature, leading to underdeveloped jaws and malocclusion, which is not a genetic issue but rather an environmental one.
What is the relationship between mouth breathing and the enlargement of tonsils and adenoids?
Dr. Miralgia discusses mouth breathing is identified as a primary cause of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, as it disrupts normal breathing patterns and affects the function of the diaphragm, leading to further respiratory issues. Dr. Becker discusses how the literature points to resident viruses as the culprit as well...however...expansion techniques are showing shrinkage post expansion and more answers may come in the future with further research.
What does the Dr Miralgia suggest about the effectiveness of upper expanders in orthodontic treatment?
The speaker argues that upper expanders alone are often ineffective without addressing nasal breathing and tongue space, as they do not provide sufficient skeletal changes or improvements in symptoms.
This is the ASAP Pathway Podcast, Airway, Sleep, and Pediatric Pathway, where sleep and airway health take center stage, one breath at a time. VISIT: ASAP Pathway
Please subscribe, share, and tune in to future episodes of how we can help children live their best lives, one breath, and restful night's sleep at a time. Don't miss this exciting launch into a world of knowledge and transformation.
Because Kids Can't Wait...
- CLICK HERE To Find an ASAP Pathway Provider
- CLICK HERE To Become an ASAP Pathway Provider
- CLICK HERE FOR ASAP Pathway IN-PERSON COURSES
- CLICK HERE To See If Your Child Is At Risk!
- ASAP FREE GIFT AND E NEWSLETTER
ASAP YouTube
ASAP YouTube Music
ASAP on Spotify
ASAP IHeartRadio
ASAP Amazon Music
ASAP Apple Podcast