Breathe Easy, Breathe Well with Rosi Ngwenya

health & wellness oral systemic connection proper breathing snoring

It’s an unusual take, but oral health therapist Rosi Ngwenya holds fast: Snoring is like choking in the night.

Meet Rosi Ngwenya

Ngwenya, a Zimbabwe-born Australian, urges everyone who snores or knows someone who does to get it checked. It's an essential topic that many overlook, but understanding the nuances of our breathing mechanisms can make a massive difference to our health and wellness.

Ngwenya has spent the past twelve years dedicated to the function of the mouth, specializing in orofacial myology, breathing behavior, and thumb-sucking training. This dual-qualified hygienist and dental therapist not only brings a wealth of knowledge but also a genuine passion for her work to the dental industry.

Her business, Methodology, is a testament to her dedication, focusing on breathing, muscles, and tape within oral health.

The Importance of Breathing Mechanisms and Oral Health

Ngwenya reminds us that the best way for a person to breathe is through the nose.

Contrary to what many believe, the nose isn't just an olfactory organ but a critical part of our respiratory system.

The importance of nose-breathing over mouth-breathing might seem trivial, but the difference is significant. The nose is equipped with structures designed to filter bacteria, warm and moisten the air we breathe, and even produce a chemical called nitric oxide that helps facilitate easier breathing.

The Benefits of Nose-Breathing and the Consequences of Mouth-Breathing

Mouth breathing, on the other hand, can cause a range of problems, including drying out the mouth and creating a perfect environment for tooth decay. It can even change the shape of your face, leading to narrower, longer faces with tiny jaws — especially problematic in children whose jaws are still growing.

Children's Breathing Issues and the Importance of Early Check-ups

Children's breathing issues can be detected at any age, even in babies. However, Ngwenya typically begins seeing most of her young patients around the ages of three to six. Breathing difficulties can be attributed to numerous causes, from allergies and dust to pets and the shape and size of the jaw and nose.

Ngwenya underscores the importance of routine check-ups from an early age, even as young as one year old. These visits can help detect and address potential breathing issues sooner rather than later.

Screening for sleep breathing disorders is also a crucial part of her practice, given that many connections between health issues and breathing problems emerge during sleep.

"So what should an ideal breathing pattern look like? What if I were a parent and I was concerned? What should I look for to know that my child is breathing properly?"

Rosi explained the 3 S's of proper breathing - silent, still, and slow. She outlined the importance of nose breathing, keeping the lips together, and utilizing the diaphragm correctly, emphasizing that these patterns are universal, regardless of age.

The Role of Dental Assistants in Identifying and Treating Breathing Problems

Rosi expressed her admiration for dental assistants, calling them a vital part of the dental team. Dental assistants can play a significant role in screening patients for sleep-disordered breathing.

They can start conversations about sleep quality and ask the right questions, recognizing signs like snoring, drooling, restlessness during sleep, and difficulty waking up, among others. They are also able to observe the patients for signs of allergies and mouth-breathing.

The Need for Muscle Retraining and Breaking Poor Breathing Habits

Assessment, clearing the airway, and muscle retraining are three parts of assessing and treating breathing dysfunction. Muscle retraining is important, particularly after interventions like tonsil and adenoid removal, because old mouth-breathing habits won't automatically shift to proper nose breathing.

Rosi urged everyone to ask questions and continue learning, saying, "Ask a question and be a fool for just five minutes. But don't ask the question and remain a fool forever."

Conclusion: The Interconnectedness of Breathing and Oral Health

In conclusion, Ngwenya reaffirms how interconnected our bodies are and the significant role proper breathing plays in maintaining overall health. It serves as a reminder that an integral part of taking care of our oral health involves focusing on the way we breathe.

Take snoring seriously and seek medical advice if you or your loved ones exhibit this symptom.

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