Elizabeth Dooher-Anthony, RDH, OMT shares how myofunctional therapy related to nasal breathing can put more patients at ease during dental hygiene appointments.
by Elizabeth Dooher-Anthony, RDH, OMT
I have been a dental hygienist for more than 35 years. Early in my practice, I noticed there were some patients who were very difficult to work on. They were angry, belligerent. They seemed to be physically resisting my efforts by tightening their lips or cheeks. Their tongue was constantly in the way.
I realized there was a PTSD sort of response in these patients. I tried my best to make their experience less stressful by letting them know they were afraid for a reason, that I would not judge them. That I cared about them. I experimented with aromatherapy, soothing music, and facial massage. These generally worked well, and we both had a much more pleasant interaction.
I contemplated how patients reacted and concluded that their emotional perception of the appointment is what matters to them. How they felt they were treated was more important than the clinical parameters I was using.
I created a philosophy which I called Serdentity – a combination of serenity and dentistry. I realized it was my judgement of the situation that created my dissatisfaction. I tried to observe and respond instead of react. I told myself they were reacting to their fear and that is why they were presenting with challenging attitudes and behaviors.
Once I became an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, I understood that patients were protecting their airway. This was the final piece in the puzzle. It took the mystery out of why. Now I could move forward with techniques that would truly address the root of the problem.
I helped patients understand that I knew their reactions were not in their conscious control. Particularly the gag reflex. So many patients expressed shame and related how they were made to feel guilty for it. I realized that the gag reflex is about the “in” breath. The patient can’t breathe in so the brain removes whatever is in the way. This makes sense considering many modern humans are mouth breathers.
I developed nasal breath coaching to help with getting radiographs. The gag reflex will not engage during the out breath. Having patients hold the breath and release during exposure helped many get through an experience they had always dreaded. They were pleasantly surprised. In a recent conversation with a fellow airway professional, we came up with the idea of having patients do a nose-clearing exercise prior to dental care. This would create better nasal breathing, making the procedure easier. Xylitol nasal spray and nasal dilators would also be helpful.
Non-judgement and positive communication are so important to creating a positive emotional experience for dental patients. I recently retired from clinical dental hygiene. I can honestly say I did not experience the burn-out, resentment, and other things I see my fellow professionals complaining about on social media. I want to help my colleagues understand there is a better way to practice. I figured it out, so it can’t be that hard!
For more information about nasal breathing and its benefits, read “Healthy Cells, Healthy Brain: Nose Breathing is Fundamental,” by Dr. Steve Carstensen and Karen Davidson here: https://dentalsleeppractice.com/healthy-cells-healthy-brain-nose-breathing-is-fundamental/
Elizabeth Dooher-Anthony, RDH, OMT, will tell you she became a dental hygienist by accident. She was supposed to be a rock star. She went to dental hygiene school after working in a dental office at the front desk. Before that, she got her BA in English with a minor in Theater Arts. Thirty-eight years later, she is still practicing and has not “burned out.” She developed a mindset toward her work that has sustained her and created positive patient experiences. She realized she could teach it to others and has found a way to use her performance skills to create a memorable, uplifting experience for her audiences. She has been presenting her seminar, Serdentity, since 2006. She published a book by the same name in 2013. Her articles have been published in RDH print and digital magazines. She hosted the “Serdentity Podcast” on the iLoveDentistry Facebook page, and is currently hosting it on her own Youtube channel. Elizabeth is from Rochester, New York, and lives there currently with her husband, Michael.