Spokane Valley: A Community Where Nature Meets Neighborly Charm

Spokane Valley, Washington, offers an exceptional blend of serene landscapes and vibrant community spirit, making it a desirable place to call home. Situated in proximity to the bustling city of Spokane and the breathtaking Pacific Northwest wilderness, the Valley presents an ideal location for those seeking balance between urban amenities and outdoor adventures.

Residents of Spokane Valley enjoy a plethora of recreational opportunities, from exploring the scenic trails of Dishman Hills to kayaking along the Spokane River. The abundance of parks and green spaces provides perfect spots for family picnics, leisurely walks, and gatherings with friends. The local farmers markets are a delightful staple, offering fresh produce and fostering a true sense of community.

In Spokane Valley, you'll discover a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where neighbors greet each other with a smile and local shops and eateries beckon with charming allure. The Valley boasts an excellent school system and a thriving business environment, ensuring quality education and career opportunities for all.

Whether you're drawn by the picturesque views or the friendly neighborhood vibe, Spokane Valley is a gem that shines with promise and possibility, unlocking a lifestyle that's both enriching and fulfilling.

Understanding Tongue-Ties and Their Impact

Dr. Molly Gunsaulis

Understanding Tongue-Ties and Their Impact

Tongue-ties, clinically referred to as ankyloglossia, occur when the lingual frenulum—a small fold of tissue under the tongue—is unusually short, thick, or tight. This condition restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can impact several developmental functions, particularly in infants and young children.

Most often identified in infancy, tongue-ties can interfere with effective breastfeeding. The tongue’s restricted mobility may prevent infants from latching properly, leading to inadequate milk transfer and symptoms such as maternal nipple pain or infant weight loss. In such cases, lactation consultants are often the first professionals to identify the concern.

When untreated, tongue-ties may contribute to speech articulation issues, oral hygiene challenges, and even sleep-disordered breathing. As children grow, the condition can manifest in difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, particularly those requiring elevation of the tongue. It can also make routine tasks like licking, eating, or maintaining dental hygiene more difficult due to limited tongue movement.

Diagnosis is typically made through a clinical examination that evaluates tongue function alongside observable physical characteristics. Providers may use assessment tools to score tongue mobility and determine functional limitations. It’s essential to differentiate between a visible frenulum and one that functionally impairs mobility, as not all visible ties require intervention.
Treatment, when deemed necessary, often involves a procedure called a frenotomy or frenuloplasty. These outpatient procedures release the tie and are frequently accompanied by therapeutic support, including feeding therapy or myofunctional therapy, to retrain proper tongue movement and promote optimal outcomes.

The Significance of Open Mouth Breathing

Molly Gunsaulis

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.

Feeding Issues as Indicators of Underlying Problems

Molly Gunsaulis

Feeding difficulties in infants and young children are often the first visible sign of a deeper physiological or developmental concern. While some degree of variability is expected in early feeding patterns, consistent problems may point to oral motor dysfunction, structural limitations, or airway-related conditions.
Signs such as prolonged feeding times, difficulty latching, coughing or choking during meals, or refusal to eat certain textures can suggest more than just a fussy eater. These behaviors may be compensations for underlying challenges, including tongue-tie, high palate, or sensory integration issues.
Feeding challenges can serve as early warning signs of oral motor dysfunction, airway restriction, or neurological coordination problems. When a child is unable to create effective suction or manipulate food in the mouth, it often reflects dysfunction in the muscles or nerves that control swallowing and breathing.
In infants, unresolved feeding issues may result in poor weight gain and feeding aversion, while older children may exhibit behavioral symptoms related to mealtime stress. Beyond nutrition, these issues can affect speech development, facial growth, and sleep quality.
A thorough evaluation should assess the child’s oral structures, reflexes, and breathing patterns. Feeding therapists, often working alongside pediatricians, ENTs, and orofacial specialists, use detailed assessments to identify the source of difficulty and design interventions. These may include exercises to strengthen oral motor skills, modifications to feeding techniques, or referrals for structural correction.
Early recognition and interdisciplinary care can prevent long-term complications, ensuring not just nutritional adequacy but also supporting optimal growth and developmental milestones.

Sleep Issues and Their Connection to Oral Health

Molly Gunsaulis

Sleep disturbances in children are often discussed in behavioral or neurological terms, but the influence of oral health on sleep quality is a critical and sometimes overlooked factor. Oral structures play a central role in airway function, and their development directly impacts breathing during rest.
Children with narrow palates, enlarged tonsils, or restricted tongue posture may struggle to maintain an open airway while asleep. These anatomical features can lead to obstructive sleep patterns, including snoring, mouth breathing, and even sleep apnea. In many cases, disrupted sleep is a sign of an underlying orofacial imbalance.
Oral health and craniofacial development are closely tied to sleep quality, particularly in growing children. A compromised airway may not fully close but can collapse intermittently, reducing oxygen flow and prompting frequent arousals. This disruption affects not only restfulness but also growth hormone release, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.
Parents may notice symptoms such as restlessness, sweating during sleep, bedwetting, or signs of fatigue and irritability during the day. These behavioral observations should prompt an evaluation of oral structures and breathing patterns, not just behavioral assessments.
Assessment typically involves collaboration among pediatric dentists, orthodontists, ENT specialists, and sleep medicine providers. Treatment plans may include expansion of the palate, myofunctional therapy to improve tongue posture, or surgical interventions when necessary. Addressing these issues early can dramatically improve both sleep quality and overall health.