Zoom interview with Dr. Steven Park, ENT and author of Sleep Interrupted
Last night we had an amazing Zoom interview with Dr. Steven Park, ENT, and author of Sleep Interrupted, as part of the Airway, Sleep, and Pediatric Pathway Study Group, with airway-centric dentists from around the world.
Dr. Park also has a great podcast, “Breath Better, Sleep Better, Live Better”
Thoughts on Deviated Septum:
Dr. Park is seeing increasing numbers in children with a deviated septum. If the hard palate doesn’t drop, the septum doesn’t grow downward. The less developed the jaws, the more likely you will have a deviated septum. We may be able to PREVENT a deviated septum, through early screening and treatment with the dental community. Once you have the deviated septum, it’s very challenging to correct. Deviated septum surgeries are typically done after growth is complete.
He is a HUGE ADVOCATE for the dental community. We need to address malocclusion early! When you expand the airway, you lessen the degree of sleep fragmentation.
Inaccuracies in CBCT imaging:
It’s great for looking at HARD tissue, but there are not great diagnostic tools for soft tissue. The thickness of the septum can be distorted. Sometimes, the septum is worst or better than what is seen on the CBCT. An ENT’s clinical evaluation/scope trumps CBCT imaging.
The Nose:
The nose acts differently awake versus sleep. Supine sleep changes the dynamics.
Can one over-referral:
Yes. Many dentists are basing treatment on CBCT findings. The patient must be symptomatic.
We should consider treating the airway as a total body wellness approach. We must consider lifestyle and dietary changes.
Lots of talk about tongue ties, reflux, mouth taping, pregnancy, saline rinses, nasal surgeries…and of course we asked the question, “Can we shrink the tonsils and adenoids!”
It was so good!!!! Can’t wait to have him back.
We should consider treating the airway as a total body wellness approach. We must consider lifestyle and dietary changes.
Lots of talk about tongue ties, reflux, mouth taping, pregnancy, saline rinses, nasal surgeries…and of course we asked the question, “Can we shrink the tonsils and adenoids!”
