After 4 ½ wonderful years at Health Centered Dentistry, I regret to announce that I will be leaving the practice in mid-April. My husband and I will be re-locating to the East Coast, as I have accepted a dental position in the Boston area. I will be joining a holistic medical center,

working closely with many types of alternative health practitioners.While I view this change as an opportunity to grow as an integrative dentist, it also comes with considerable sadness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here working with Dr. Laughlin and his talented team, and am so grateful for all I have

learned along the way. This truly is a very special place. Many thanks also to you, our patients. The personal stories you’ve shared with us have taught me so much. You have made my experience here so worthwhile, and I will miss being a part of your health journeys. Thanks for so many great memories, and hopefully our paths will cross again someday!

(Contd. on next pg.)

As holistic dental providers, we are always looking for connections between oral structures and overall health. Believe it or not, one of the most profound factors of health is something as simple as how we breathe. We have all heard the advice from others to “take deep breaths,” in order to help us relax. However, the disorder of chronic hyperventilation is hugely prevalent, and can have widespread negative effects on one’s health and well-being.Dr. Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko, was a Ukrainian scientist and professor of medicine, discovered hyperventilationto have a leading role in the development of many chronic diseases, including bronchial asthma. During his studies in the 1950’s, Dr. Buteyko observed patients with hypertension, heart disease, asthma, and other serious health conditions. He noticed that as his patients’ symptoms became more aggravated and their health deteriorated, their respiration got heavier. This helped Dr. Buteyko to realize the connection between respiration and overall health, and he then devoted his life to studying that connection. His discoveries led to the development of the Buteyko Method (or Buteyko Breathing Technique), which is based on the assumption that numerous medical conditions are, in fact, caused by chronically increased respiratory rate (hyperventilation). The Buteyko Method aims to retrain the incorrect breathing patterns through repetitive breathing exercises, which focus on nasal-breathing, breath-holding, and relaxation. Despite slow acceptance in the conventional medical world, the Buteyko Method continues to gain popularity, with astounding results worldwide.When we breathe through our nose, we are getting the proper amount of oxygen to our lungs. (Additionally, nasal breathing fi lters the air effectively, so particles and dust don’t irritate our windpipes.) Mouth breathing, however, allows too much air to enter our lungs. This increase in

oxygen causes a drop in carbon dioxide. The amazing thing is this: our bodies actually NEED this carbon dioxide in order to transport the oxygen from our lungs to our blood, tissues, and organs. Thus the heavier we breathe, the more our bodies are being starved of oxygen. This chronic hyperventilation can have many negative repercussions, and here are just a few: chronic asthmatic symptoms, runny nose, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, constant throat-clearing, snoring, chest pain, muscle soreness, h e a d a c h e s , a n x i e t y , depression, stress, chronic fatigue, and ADHD type symptoms.O r o f a c i a l Myofunctional Therapy is a type of physical therapy for the tongue, lip, and facial muscles. This therapy utilizes a variety of exercises (including the Buteyko Method) in order to improve oral muscle function and re-train improper breathing habits. These therapists work with patients on an individual basis, to address their specifi c health issues through personalized treatment plans. Kathy Winslow is an Orofacial

Myofunctional Therapist in California who sees a lot of children in her practice. She has noticed that the majority of her patients who have incorrect breathing patterns also exhibit problems with their bite and jaw development. Through her therapy, Ms. Winslow achieves positive shifts in her patients’ health on every level, including improvements in their oral

health. This link between correct breathing patterns and proper occlusion (bite) is very important, specifi cally to patients undergoing orthopedic

orthodontics at Health Centered Dentistry. Because improper breathing habits are a root cause of mal-occlusion, patients that work to correct... (Contd. next pg.)

THETHE Whole TO OT H TO OT H The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, The Whole T Tooth,Tooth,T and nothing but and nothing but…. The ToothToothT ))

Farewell - Big Changes Coming to HCD!Dr. Pearson, Nicky, and John Laughlin IV continue their Journey

Orofacial Myology- is function the cure?

Dr. Madelyn Pearson

This ten-year-old boy is a nose breather and has a This ten-year-old boy is a nose breather and has a This ten-year-old boy is

good-looking, broad face with everything in proportion. The good-looking, broad face with everything in proportion. The good-looking, broad face with

boy exhibits well-defi ned eyes, everything in proportion. The

boy exhibits well-defi ned eyes, everything in proportion. The

cheekbones, lips and chin.boy exhibits well-defi ned eyes,

cheekbones, lips and chin.boy exhibits well-defi ned eyes,

On the boy’s fourteenth birthday, he was given a gerbil as a present. Soon after, his nose began to block, causing him to breathe through

his mouth. Within three years, his face had changed its shape considerably. The above photograph is of the boy at age seventeen.

Because he kept his mouth open from the ages of 14 until 17, his face grew downwards instead of increasing width. His face became

narrow and long. His jaws are set back from their perfect and natural position. He now has a double chin and his jaws come back on his

airway, resulting in smaller airway. This can create a variety of health problems. This face is typical of the thousands of children who

breathe through their mouths.

breathe through your nose all the time... I had always breathed through my mouth.

♦ My entire body is better. I do not have hip, lower back, and knee pain like I have had for much of my life.

♦ At times it seemed to take so long and it got At times it seemed to take so long and it got Afrustrating, but when I think of where I have come from and where I am now... the journey was defi nitely worth it. My quality of life is so much, much better than if I had not found such a gift.

♦ I just all-around feel better!♦ Dr. Laughlin’s wisdom has greatly benefi ted

me.

Interview with Marie AgrenMarie Agren~ Footzone Therapist

What inspired you to do what you do?I’ve always wanted to be in the health fi eld, I love working with people. I was very inspired when I read about Dr. Ersdahl’s form of Foot Zone Therapy, it hit me like a bolt of lightning and I felt it was my calling. Please describe your therapy in layman’s terms.Foot Zone Therapy is a complementary, holistic way of stimulating the body, it encourages the body’s own healing process by stimulating blood circulation, hormone balance, and lymph fl ow, it also helps improve digestion (assimilation and elimination) and function of the autonomic nervous system. The Zone Therapy practitioner observes the foot and interprets the “messages’ it conveys through discoloration, texture and tenderness. The foot is like a keyboard which is in direct communication with the brain. By triggering points on the foot, a signal is sent along these channels / meridians to specifi c organs or tissues, up the spinal cord to the brain. Through the autonomic nervous system, corrective signals are sent back down to the corresponding tissue / organ to encourage healing and normalization.How do you feel you best help your clients / patients?First of all, by helping people realize that there is power within them to heal, hope is a powerful force. Secondly, by helping them realize that they too must invest in moving forward… making changes in their lifestyle that will enhance their body’s ability to heal.What is the most frequent complaint patients come to you with?Pain…. Low back, headaches, and female hormone problems.How can people avoid that problem?Most often looking closely at diet and lifestyle patterns (exercise). The body is made for movement and is at its best when we keep it active. Seeking help when help is needed… Chiropractic, Nutritional, Holistic Dentistry, and (of course) Zone Therapy. Having a good team that can be called on when there is distress / “dis”ease is important.What two things do you do everyday to improve or maintain your health?Eating well… Most main meals are about ¾ greens/vegetables and ¼ protein. Working in the garden, chasing chickens, walking, skiing, and bicycling whenever I get a chance, oh, and dance whenever I can.What’s the most interesting situation / result you’ve seen in your practice?I saw a man who had broken his foot a year before, and after an immediate bone implant reconstruction with (cadaver) bone, it still had not healed. At the time he came to me, the surgeons were planning to re-surgerize the area. Initially, the foot felt cold and looked grey, but after the Zone treatments it felt warm and had more color to it. With two treatments (inside of a month) the doctors were able to see (on x-ray) the bones starting to reintegrate / heal.I have also seen womenwho (as their hormone systems normalize) move from infertile to being able to get pregnant. This is immensely satisfying as such an issue can weigh constantly and heavily on a woman’s mind and heart.

Words from a Healthcare Professional

PH: (715) 426-7777FAX: (715) 426-7778 Website:

www.healthcentereddentistry.comE-Mail:

hcd@healthcentereddentistry.comCurrent Address:

N7915 902nd St.River Falls, WI 54022

Patient Hours:Monday 8:30AM - 5:00PMTuesday 8:30AM - 3:00PMWednesday 8:30AM - 5:00PMThursday 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Non-Patient Hours:Friday 8:30AM - 12:00PM

Health Centered Dentistry’sContact Information

BODY

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H CENTERED DENTISTR

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Words from a Patient:Michelle Grabanski Pohlad Michelle Grabanski Pohlad

I came to Health Centered Dentistry looking for

someone to help me with my sleep apnea and jaw clenching. Things had

gotten so challenging for me that I was waking up

gasping for air. My jaw was so painful from clenching and my quality of life had been declining for a number of years. I knew I needed to fi nd help, but the journey was not easy and about 5 years and many doctors after beginning my search, I found Dr. Laughlin.In this healing process I have followed Dr. Laughlin’s recommendations which included his care and that of Dr. Jamie Blechschmidt. They have both profoundly changed my life. Over a three year period, Dr. Laughlin used temporary splints (MROs), ALF appliances, and braces to develop my jaws, increase the vertical dimension, and straighten my teeth. I have noticed many positive changes through this journey… some that come to mind include:♦ I have not been waking up gasping for air – a

change that happened early in treatment.♦ I have learned the value of the function and

structure of my mouth and how it affects my entire body.

♦ My lower jaw feels like it is attached and won’t be falling off. Others thought I was a lunatic when I described this feeling…

♦ My ability to breathe has improved and is better than it has ever been, and I mean EVER. I did not know you were supposed to EVER. I did not know you were supposed to

Farewell (Contd. from 1st pg.)st pg.)st

Nicky Brookshaw has been a key part of the Health Centered Dentistry team for 13 years.

During those great years there has been many changes, she helped us move into computerized practice management, and assisted the transition into electronic scheduling. Nicky’s efforts were also essential to HCD being ready for the adventure of designing, building, and moving the practice into its new facility. We are very sad to see her go and yet we can understand her desire to spend more time with her family and eventually seek new challenges in her career. Nicky wants everyone to know how

grateful she is to have met you all, and for the opportunity to learn from you. Nicky will be missed by all those at Health Centered Dentistry whose lives she has touched.

After 11 years of positively impacting the direction of Health Centered

Dentistry, I too will be joining Dr. Pearson, and departing for the Boston area. It has been a privilege and an honor to be able to work with my father and help bring the practice into the digital age. It has been the best job I’ve ever had. Nothing could be more satisfying

for a son than helping his father educate the public about a critical component of a person’s health and wellbeing. Seeing my dad in his new facility, seeing him delivering power-point presentations around the country, and seeing the amazing impacts he has had on so many lives… priceless. I will miss you all.

Orofacial Myology (Contd. from 1st pg.)st pg.)st

those habits achieve quicker, more profound results with their orthodontic treatment. There is also a decreased chance that their improved occlusion will relapse back to its original state, after orthodontic treatment has been completed.At Health Centered Dentistry, we are all

very committed to helping our patients achieve overall health and wellbeing; we believe that Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a powerful adjunctive tool that can benefi t a lot of patients. To fi nd out more about the Buteyko Method and Kathy Winslow’s treatment, please contact our offi ce.

-by Madelyn Pearson DDS

John Laughlin IV