Title: Every breath you take

Biography:

Sara Jawadi is an oral health therapist from Auckland, New Zealand. Graduated in 2008 with a BHSc in Oral Health from Auckland University of Technology and qualified in dental hygiene and therapy scopes and currently about to complete Masters of Business management.

Previously worked for NZ Ministry of Health, and then moved to work in the private sector with a focus on prevention and minimally invasive health care. Through continuous development and patient observations therefore developed an interest in understanding dysfunctional breathing and its effect on general and oral health and wellbeing. Then went through training to be a Buteyko practitioner to help patients improve their breathing habits and therefore improve health issues related to that.

Abstract

Dysfunctional breathing may complicate inflammatory conditions and impair quality of life. One of the easiest ways to identify a patient with dysfunctional breathing is to note whether they are a mouth breather however, this is only one aspect of many that we can explore and earn more about. As health professionals it will help us to understand the acuteness of inflammation in certain clients and its relation to their breathing habits therefore, learning how to help them overcome that. Due to the fact that as dental practitioners we are able to see our patients a lot more frequently that other health professionals it would be ideal if we equipped ourselves with assessment tools, and solutions to dysfunctional breathing. Moreover, there are several methods that health professionals use for correcting breathing habits though this review will focus on Buteyko breathing techniques. "The Buteyko system is named after its coordinator Doctor Konstantin Buteyko." It is the best medication free approach for the administration of asthma and other breathing related issues."

This presentation will help you to understand the extent of effect of dysfunctional breathing, how to assess patients, and what practical advice you can provide for your clients.