The Connection Between Leaky Gut Syndrome & Sleep

In this episode, we discuss the potential causes of chronic pain, focusing on the complex relationship between digestive health and conditions like headache, jaw, and facial pain. The discussion includes the case of a patient with chronic pain exacerbated by obstructive sleep apnea and digestive issues. The podcast highlights the role of leaky gut syndrome in systemic inflammation, reflex bruxism, and the connection between gut health and neurotransmitter production. Practical advice on improving gut health through nutrition, probiotics, and reducing sympathetic triggers is provided. The episode aims to enhance understanding of how treating the gut can contribute to resolving chronic craniofacial pain.

01:22 Case Study: Chronic Pain and Sleep Apnea

03:30 Exploring Leaky Gut Syndrome

07:02 Treatment Approaches for Leaky Gut

10:36 Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome

14:46 Gut Health and Pain Connection

16:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

Top Sleep Disorder Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Patients

In this episode, Dr. Michael Bennett and Cathy discuss the vital role dental professionals play in screening for sleep disorders like sleep apnea. They emphasize the ease and ethical importance of incorporating sleep-related questions into routine dental visits, similar to blood pressure or oral cancer checks. Various indicators such as scalloped tongues, high-vaulted palates, and behavioral cues in children are highlighted. The episode also covers practical tools like the STOP-BANG questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Score for effective screening. Additionally, the hosts talk about the impact of diet, hydration, and proper meal timing on sleep quality. They conclude with a teaser for the next episode focused on understanding the anatomy of the airway.

00:49 Importance of Sleep Screening

01:18 Screening Techniques and Indicators

04:28 Behavioral and Physical Signs

05:53 Screening Tools and Questionnaires

09:23 Nutritional Impact on Sleep

11:27 Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts

13:25 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry

How Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Is Hiding in Your Dental Chair

In this episode, Dr. Michael Bennett and Cathy Bennett introduce a new series on the interconnectedness of airway health and overall wellness, particularly focusing on the importance of dental screenings for sleep-related breathing disorders. The discussion highlights the significance of dental health as a gateway to detecting sleep apnea, which often goes undiagnosed and can lead to severe health consequences like Alzheimer's, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more. They stress the role of dentists in early detection and the benefits of treating sleep apnea for improved healthcare outcomes. The episode underscores the barriers dentists face in incorporating sleep screening into their practice and the need for a team-oriented approach to overcome these challenges. Finally, they advocate for rebranding dental hygiene exams as comprehensive wellness screenings to better serve patient health.

00:44 The Importance of Dental Visits for Health Screening

01:30 Identifying Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

03:35 The Silent Epidemic of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

06:10 Economic and Health Impacts of Sleep Disorders

06:58 Barriers to Dental Screening for Sleep Disorders

09:57 The Role of Dentists in Sleep Disorder Screening

12:47 Holistic Wellness and the Importance of Sleep

15:56 Conclusion: Implementing Sleep Screenings in Dental Practice

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services

Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry