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.

Before my tonsils and adenoids were removed at age 4, I was a prolific mouth breather. My mouth was open in every single photo of me! After that operation I was no longer a mouth breather, but I still had other issues that stemmed from that early mouth breathing, such as a narrow palate and crowded teeth.

When I was 10, I had 4 permanent teeth removed in preparation for extraction/retraction-style orthodontics. What it means is that my orthodontist planned to make more space for my permanent teeth by removing some permanent teeth and moving everything back. This left me with a smaller-than-normal palate, more pronounced retrognathia (recessed jaw), and therefore my airway development was changed.  Not blaming my orthodontist, that was just how things were done back then.

Luckily I was a nasal breather after that tonsillectomy, which spared me from some other detrimental effects of mouth breathing, like cavities and periodontal disease. So one (big) thing to check off the list.

I did, however, clench and grind my teeth, which we now know can be a sign of an airway issue. 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 clearer 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.