Building Better Airways: Guided Growth, Collaboration, and Clinical Insight: Episode 106

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Perfect for lactation professionals, SLPs, Doulas, Therapists, and all Infant Care Providers.

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In this eye-opening episode, Lisa sits down with Staten Island-based dentist Dr. Steve Acker, a leader in airway-centered dentistry and guided growth. They discuss how dental professionals can—and should—play a critical role in identifying and preventing sleep-disordered breathing, especially in children. Dr. Acker shares his personal journey from general dentistry to airway advocacy, sparked by his own health scare, and how early intervention can change lives.

Topics Discussed:

• How a personal health diagnosis led Dr. Acker to airway-focused dentistry
• The critical connection between sleep apnea, AFib, and stroke risk
• Why collaboration between dentists, lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, and others is essential
• The role of breastfeeding and baby-led weaning in proper jaw and airway development
• How pacifier use, soft foods, and sleep position impact facial growth
• Early signs of dysfunctional growth—and how to intervene
• What parents and providers need to know about appliances
• Why craniosacral therapy is a key adjunct in treatment
• The cultural and clinical shift needed to prevent airway disorders
• Dr. Acker’s generous offer to review parent-submitted photos/videos for early intervention

Resources & Mentions:

• Finding Connor Deegan – YouTube Video
• The Kois Center for Dental Education
• Dr. Kevin Boyd & airway-centered orthodontics
• Pediatric & Adult Airway Network of New York (PAANNY)

Connect with Dr. Steve Acker:

📍Richmond Hill Dental Design Studio: 211 Richmond Hill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://www.richmondhilldds.com/meetthedoctors

🎁 Free parent consults available — send intake, photos, and sleep video for review.

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A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.