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.
Sleep Issues and Their Connection to Oral Health
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
6 | HelloSpokane, Washington • Spring Issue
Sleep Issues and Their Connection to Oral Health
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.
Dr. Molly Gunsaulis
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...
Oral health and craniofacial development are closely tied to sleep quality, particularly in growing children.
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 • Spring Issue |7
Why Regular Dental Check-Ups & Cleanings Matter More Than You Think
Many people delay or skip dental visits if nothing feels wrong, but routine check-ups and cleanings play a crucial role in preventing problems before they become serious. These visits allow your dentist to detect issues early, often before you notice any symptoms, when treatment is simpler, more
comfortable, and less invasive.Dental exams do more than spot cavities, they can reveal signs of gum disease, infection, and even oral cancer.During a typical visit, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. They may also take X-rays to catch hidden decay or bone loss.
8 | HelloSpokane, Washington • Spring Issue
Why Regular Dental Check-Ups & Cleanings Matter More Than You Think
Many people delay or skip dental visits if nothing feels wrong, but routine check-ups and cleanings play a crucial role in preventing problems before they become serious. These visits allow your dentist to detect issues early, often before you notice any symptoms, when treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and less invasive.
Dental exams do more than spot cavities, they can reveal signs of gum disease, infection, and even oral cancer.
During a typical visit, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. They may also take X-rays to catch hidden decay or bone loss. Cleanings performed by a hygienist remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t reach with brushing or flossing alone. This buildup, if left untreated, can cause gum inflammation and lead to periodontal disease, which affects not just the mouth but also your broader well-being.
Oral cleanings help restore balance to your mouth’s natural bacteria levels.
Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain in its early stages, but it can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and long-term health complications if ignored. Regular cleanings help stop this progression by removing the bacteria that trigger inflammation. These appointments also give patients a chance to ask questions about brushing techniques, home care tools, dietary habits, and any discomfort they’ve experienced.
Dental check-ups contribute to your overall health as well. Research continues to show connections between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Monitoring the mouth can provide early warning signs of broader health concerns, allowing for more proactive care and earlier intervention.
Even if your teeth look and feel fine, unseen issues could still be developing. Professional guidance, cleanings, and early detection are what make dental care preventive not just reactive. Consistent dental visits are a small investment of time that can prevent larger health issues later.
Dr. Ashley Ulmer
Cleanings performed by a hygienist remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t reach with brushing or flossing alone. This buildup, if left untreated, can cause gum inflammation and lead to periodontal disease, which affects not just the mouth but also your broader well-being.Oral cleanings help restore balance to
your mouth’s natural bacteria levels.Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain in its early stages, but it can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and long-term health complications if ignored. Regular cleanings help stop this progression by removing the bacteria that trigger inflammation. These appointments also give patients a chance to ask questions about brushing techniques, home care tools, dietary habits, and any discomfort they’ve experienced.Dental check-ups contribute to your overall health as well. Research continues to show connections between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and...
Dental exams do more than spot cavities, they can reveal signs of gum disease, infection, and even oral cancer.
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.
