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
Building Strong Dental Habits Starts in Early Childhood
Laying the foundation for lifelong oral health begins in the earliest years of a child’s life. While baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a critical role in a child’s development, from eating and speaking to guiding permanent teeth into place. Caring for these teeth, and teaching kids how to care
for them is essential.Good dental habits that begin early are more likely to stick well into adulthood.Parents and caregivers should begin brushing a child's teeth as soon as the first one appears. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. As children grow,
8 | HelloSpokane, Washington • Winter Issue
Building Strong Dental Habits Starts in Early Childhood
Laying the foundation for lifelong oral health begins in the earliest years of a child’s life. While baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a critical role in a child’s development, from eating and speaking to guiding permanent teeth into place. Caring for these teeth, and teaching kids how to care for them is essential.
Good dental habits that begin early are more likely to stick well into adulthood.
Parents and caregivers should begin brushing a child's teeth as soon as the first one appears. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. As children grow, encouraging them to brush twice a day helps make the habit part of their daily routine. Involving them in the process, letting them pick out their toothbrush, using songs or timers, and brushing together, can make it more engaging and less of a chore.
Regular dental visits should begin by the child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. These early appointments are more than check-ups; they introduce children to the dental environment in a positive, non-threatening way. Preventive care and monitoring from the start can catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
Parents play a critical role not only in supervising brushing but in modeling good behavior. Letting children see adults brush and floss reinforces that dental hygiene is a normal, lifelong habit. Parents should also assist with brushing until children develop the dexterity to do it well on their own, usually around age 6 to 8. Checking for missed spots and reminding kids to brush the back teeth helps ensure a thorough routine.
Starting early with brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups doesn’t just protect baby teeth, it sets the stage for a lifetime of better oral health and fewer dental problems.
What starts as a parent-led routine can grow into a lifelong habit of self-care and confidence.
Dr. Ashley Ulmer
within six months of the first tooth erupting. These early appointments are more than check-ups; they introduce children to the dental environment in a positive, non-threatening way. Preventive care and monitoring from the start can catch small issues before they become bigger problems.Parents play a critical role not only in supervising brushing but in modeling good behavior. Letting children see adults brush and floss reinforces that dental hygiene is a normal, lifelong habit. Parents should also assist with brushing until children develop the dexterity to do it well on their own, usually around age 6 to 8. Checking for missed...
encouraging them to brush twice a day helps make the habit part of their daily routine. Involving them in the process, letting them pick out their toothbrush, using songs or timers, and brushing together, can make it more engaging and less of a chore.Regular dental visits should begin by the child’s first birthday or
Good dental habits that begin early are more likely to stick well into adulthood.
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.
