The FIFTH Horseman – Mouthbreathing By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia

“Ok, Boomer”, said in jest by one of my teenage daughters, a member of the Generation Z cohort.  My answer is always, “I am not a Boomer, I am Generation X!”. I understand why the Boomer comment arises, Boomers are usually not comfortable with most things digital.  Generation X only understands digital.  There is a disconnect.

My mind does not easily adapt to the logistics of digital and I am not a fan of openly sharing on Instagram or Social Media.  However, I have ideas that need to be shared and discussed. I invite everyone, of all generations, to collaborate.

I am a health care professional.  I am a dentist. I have been practicing for almost 27 years – Go Blue!!  I am on a journey to serve with purpose and feel this new collaborative, digital landscape is the best time to be a dentist.  Slowly, but surely, the health of oral cavity is being seeing as an integral part of one’s overall health and wellness; this is super exciting!

Powerful books changing perspectives:

1. Outlive by Dr. Peter Atia

2. Breath by James Nestor

3. Breathe, Sleep, Thrive by Dr. Shereen Lim

I have the deepest respect for all the above authors as the information is groudbreaking and addresses how we can all live healthier lives.

Dr. Peter Atia states there are “Four Horseman”, the leading causes of death for most people, heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes/metabolic disorders.  He believes if we identify the risk factors early, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, manage blood pressure and blood sugar and avoid social isolation/depression we can help delay or prevent the progression of these diseases.

I am a big reader and a dental CE junkie!!

I wondering if one major Horseman was overlooked?  I wondering if this Horseman may be the most important of all?  Mouthbreathing.

Is it possible that the simple act of breathing correctly, via our noses, could be the keystone (“without which, everything collapses”) of overall health and wellness?

-Dr. Nishita Ondhia