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.
Feeding Issues as Indicators of Underlying Problems
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
6 | HelloSpokane, Washington • Spring Issue
Feeding Issues as Indicators of Underlying Problems
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.
Dr. Molly Gunsaulis
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,...
Feeding challenges can serve as early warning signs of oral motor dysfunction, airway restriction, or neurological coordination prob...
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.
