Spokane, Washington, is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty, crafting an ideal living
environment for families, professionals, and adventurers alike. Known for its stunning Riverfront Park, Spokane offers residents a daily invitation to wander along the scenic Spokane River, which beautifully showcases the city's commitment to maintaining pristine, accessible green spaces.
With a rich cultural tapestry, Spokane serves as a bustling hub for arts, entertainment, and history. The vibrant downtown is teeming with eclectic eateries, unique boutiques, and an array of art galleries marking Spokane as a cultural epicenter in the Pacific Northwest. The historic Fox Theater and a packed calendar of events at the Spokane Arena ensure you're never far from world-class entertainment.
What truly sets Spokane apart is the spirit of its community, where friendly neighbors and welcoming attitudes create an inclusive atmosphere. The city’s seamless blend of culture, nature, and human warmth makes Spokane more than just a place to live—it's a place to thrive. Whether you’re hiking a trail, enjoying a local festival, or savoring local craft brews, Spokane invites you to make memories and call it home.
Discover the Vibrant Charm of Spokane,
Discover the Vibrant Charm of Spokane, Washington
Spokane, Washington, is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty, crafting an ideal living environment for families, professionals, and adventurers alike. Known for its stunning Riverfront Park, Spokane offers residents a daily invitation to wander along the scenic Spokane River, which beautifully showcases the city's commitment to maintaining pristine, accessible green spaces.
With a rich cultural tapestry, Spokane serves as a bustling hub for arts, entertainment, and history. The vibrant downtown is teeming with eclectic eateries, unique boutiques, and an array of art galleries marking Spokane as a cultural epicenter in the Pacific Northwest. The historic Fox Theater and a packed calendar of events at the Spokane Arena ensure you're never far from world-class entertainment.
What truly sets Spokane apart is the spirit of its community, where friendly neighbors and welcoming attitudes create an inclusive atmosphere. The city’s seamless blend of culture, nature, and human warmth makes Spokane more than just a place to live—it's a place to thrive. Whether you’re hiking a trail, enjoying a local festival, or savoring local craft brews, Spokane invites you to make memories and call it home.
The Significance of Open Mouth Breathing
Open mouth breathing is more than a simple habit; it often signals a disruption in the body's normal respiratory function. While it may occur temporarily during illness or congestion, chronic open mouth breathing can indicate deeper structural or functional issues involving the airway, nasal passages,
or orofacial muscles.In children, this breathing pattern frequently stems from nasal obstruction, whether due to allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or anatomical deviations. When the nose cannot function as the primary airway, the body compensates by breathing through the mouth. Over time,
6 | HelloSpokane, Washington • Winter Issue
The Significance of Open Mouth Breathing
Open mouth breathing is more than a simple habit; it often signals a disruption in the body's normal respiratory function. While it may occur temporarily during illness or congestion, chronic open mouth breathing can indicate deeper structural or functional issues involving the airway, nasal passages, or orofacial muscles. In children, this breathing pattern frequently stems from nasal obstruction, whether due to allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or anatomical deviations. When the nose cannot function as the primary airway, the body compensates by breathing through the mouth. Over time, this compensation becomes habitual and can impact facial growth and oral development. Chronic open mouth breathing can lead to long-term changes in facial structure, dental alignment, and sleep quality. The tongue, instead of resting against the palate, sits low in the mouth, which can result in a narrow palate and elongated face. These changes may increase the risk of crowded teeth, speech difficulties, and disrupted sleep. Left unaddressed, open mouth breathing may also contribute to behavioral and cognitive symptoms related to poor sleep, such as difficulty focusing, irritability, and daytime fatigue. In many cases, children with sleep-disordered breathing exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD. Comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify the root cause. Treatment plans often involve a team approach, including pediatricians, ENTs, dentists, and myofunctional therapists. Restoring nasal breathing not only improves oxygen exchange but also supports proper growth, development, and long-term health.
Dr. Molly Gunsaulis
elongated face. These changes may increase the risk of crowded teeth, speech difficulties, and disrupted sleep.Left unaddressed, open mouth breathing may also contribute to behavioral and cognitive symptoms related to poor sleep, such as difficulty focusing, irritability, and daytime fatigue. In many cases, children with sleep-disordered breathing exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD.Comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify the root cause. Treatment plans often involve a team approach, including pediatricians, ENTs, dentists, and myofunctional therapists. Restoring nasal breathing not only improves oxygen exchange but also...
this compensation becomes habitual and can impact facial growth and oral development.Chronic open mouth breathing can lead to long-term changes in facial structure, dental alignment, and sleep quality. The tongue, instead of resting against the palate, sits low in the mouth, which can result in a narrow palate and
Chronic open mouth breathing can lead to long-term changes in facial structure, dental alignment, and sleep quality.
About the Author
Dr. Molly Gunsaulis is a highly accomplished pediatric dentist in Spokane Valley. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is known for her commitment to airway-focused dental education, integrating a collaborative team approach for optimal outcomes in her pediatric dental practice.
HelloSpokane, Washington • Winter Issue |7
Why Reducing Sugar Frequency Protects Your Teeth
Sugar is a leading contributor to tooth decay, and understanding how it interacts with your mouth can help you make better choices for your oral health. When sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth, it produces acids that attack the enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth. Over time,
repeated acid exposure wears down this enamel, creating tiny openings where cavities can form, grow, and sometimes reach the inner structures of the tooth.Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks keeps your teeth under a near-constant acid assault.It's not just about how much sugar you
8 | HelloSpokane, Washington • Winter Issue
Why Reducing Sugar Frequency Protects Your Teeth
Sugar is a leading contributor to tooth decay, and understanding how it interacts with your mouth can help you make better choices for your oral health. When sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth, it produces acids that attack the enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth. Over time, repeated acid exposure wears down this enamel, creating tiny openings where cavities can form, grow, and sometimes reach the inner structures of the tooth.
Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks keeps your teeth under a near-constant acid assault.
It's not just about how much sugar you consume, it’s also about when and how often. When you snack throughout the day or slowly sip sugary beverages, your mouth has less time to recover between acid attacks. Each exposure extends the window in which your enamel is vulnerable, especially if oral hygiene is delayed, inconsistent, or rushed after meals.
One way to reduce the damage is to enjoy sugary foods and drinks only during meals. When you eat a full meal, your mouth produces more saliva, which helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids. Drinking water instead of soda or juice between meals can also make a meaningful difference by diluting and washing away sugars, reducing acid concentration and helping maintain a stable oral environment.
Good brushing habits matter too, especially in the evening when saliva production slows and plaque can settle overnight. If you’ve consumed something sweet, wait about 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel. Flossing and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps keep bacteria in check and strengthens tooth surfaces.
Limiting sugar isn’t about eliminating pleasure, it’s about reducing frequency, supporting your enamel, and protecting your long-term oral health.
Even small changes to when and how you consume sugar can significantly lower your risk for cavities.
Dr. Ashley Ulmer
way to reduce the damage is to enjoy sugary foods and drinks only during meals. When you eat a full meal, your mouth produces more saliva, which helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids. Drinking water instead of soda or juice between meals can also make a meaningful difference by diluting and washing away sugars, reducing acid concentration and helping maintain a stable oral environment.Good brushing habits matter too, especially in the evening when saliva production slows and plaque can settle overnight. If you’ve consumed something sweet, wait about 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel...
consume, it’s also about when and how often. When you snack throughout the day or slowly sip sugary beverages, your mouth has less time to recover between acid attacks. Each exposure extends the window in which your enamel is vulnerable, especially if oral hygiene is delayed, inconsistent, or rushed after meals.
Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks keeps your teeth under a near-constant acid assault.
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Ulmer is the owner of Smiles by Ashley. She enjoys the challenge and opportunity to practice dentistry on her own and finds managing her staff and patients very rewarding. Dr. Ulmer is also an active member of the Spokane District Dental Society and member of the board of directors for the Washington State Dental Association.
