If Your Mouth Could Talk

What happens when trauma collides with hidden brain injuries? In this episode of If Your Mouth Could Talk, Dr. Bahar Esmaili sits down with Ryan, whose life was upended after discovering a friend’s overdose. That emotional shock, layered on years of undiagnosed concussions, triggered crippling anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and dizziness. Ryan opens up about his journey from rock bottom to resilience—how he found answers in chiropractic neurology, rewired his brain through targeted rehab, and turned his pain into purpose. Together, he and Dr. Bahar explore the deep connections between the vestibular system, sleep, emotional trauma, and healing. Key themes include: The hidden impact of “emotional concussions” How the vestibular system drives anxiety, balance, and focus Why true healing means addressing root causes, not symptoms Ryan’s story is proof that healing is possible—and that the brain can be retrained to find safety again. The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

This eye-opening conversation between Dr. Esmaili and physical therapist Cynthia Stein will change the way you think about head injuries, orthodontics, and cranial development. Together, they unpack the cumulative effects of birth trauma, concussions, and structural misalignments on brain function, behavior, and sleep. From the role of the sphenoid bone in eye tracking to the importance of nasal release therapy before orthodontic intervention, this episode dives deep into the science of craniofacial dynamics and its ripple effects across the entire body. Trust us—you won’t look at the tongue, the skull, or your sleep the same way again. The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

Ever wondered why your child struggles with focus, behavior, or even breathing—but checks every box at the doctor’s office? Let’s break it down. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Bahar Esmaili sits down with renowned speech-language pathologist Laura Walls to uncover how early movement patterns, primitive reflexes, and sensory integration lay the foundation for a child’s growth. They reveal how airway health, posture, and nervous system development are deeply interconnected—and why skipping key milestones like crawling or tummy time may impact everything from speech to sleep. Whether you’re a parent, dentist, or healthcare provider, this episode will shift how you see childhood development—and why the “unicorn kids” with healthy patterns may not be the norm anymore. The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

Ever wondered why breathing or sleep issues feel so hard to overcome? Today's conversation with Dr. RJ Gyllenhaal dives deep into the crucial role of the atlas bone, the often-overlooked connection between your mouth and neck, and how they influence your autonomic nervous system, digestion, and overall well-being. Discover how misalignments can lead to a cascade of postural and neurological issues, and how dentists and chiropractors can work together for holistic healing.  

What if the real reason you’re exhausted, in pain, and struggling to lose weight has nothing to do with willpower—and everything to do with your airway? Janice Craig thought she was just dealing with obesity and fatigue… until a photo, a hike, and a chance dental visit unraveled a hidden chain of dysfunction affecting her entire body. From misdiagnosed pain to sleep apnea and a life-changing discovery of lipedema, this powerful conversation with Dr. Bahar reveals how one woman’s transformation started with a single breath—and why your jaw, posture, and pelvis may be more connected than you think.   The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

Imagine struggling with exhaustion so deep that no amount of sleep can fix it. That was Ryan’s reality for over a decade—until he uncovered the hidden root causes of his chronic illness. Dr. Ryan is one of Dr. Bahar’s patients and he graciously shared his story on the podcast today. From being a touring musician with relentless fatigue to becoming a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, Ryan shares his journey of overcoming Hashimoto’s, the overlooked role of breathing in health, and why conventional lab tests often miss the bigger picture. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors or struggled with unexplained symptoms, this conversation will change the way you think about your health.   The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

What if the root cause of chronic health struggles wasn’t where you thought? Steven McKay spent nearly a decade searching for answers—navigating endless treatments, medications, and dead ends. His journey led him across the world to uncover a critical piece of the puzzle: the connection between dental structure, neurology, and full-body alignment. In this episode, Dr. Bahar and Steven break down how cranial structure impacts everything from digestion to hormone balance, why most healthcare providers miss the bigger picture, and how a holistic approach to dental health could be the missing link in restoring wellness.   The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

In this episode, Dr. Bahar Esmaili brings back last week’s guest for a continuation of their conversation. Steven McKay is someone who has experienced a dramatic health transformation. After a routine surgery led to a cascade of debilitating symptoms, including chronic pain, sleep issues, digestive problems, and neurological challenges, this individual embarked on an intense journey to heal. Through extensive research, self-experimentation, and collaboration with various healthcare experts, they discovered how the body’s interconnected systems—particularly the mouth, spine, and nervous system—play a crucial role in overall health. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the power of understanding our bodies and seeking out holistic, integrative solutions for lasting wellness.  

In this enlightening episode of "The Every Dentist Podcast," Dr. Bahar Esmaili sits down with Steven McKay, a patient whose journey from struggling with chronic health issues to discovering the interconnectedness of teeth, the cervical spine, and cranial health offers profound insights. Steven shares his story, from his childhood experiences with orthodontics and the subsequent health changes he faced, to his extensive research and experiences with chiropractic care, cranial adjustments, and innovative treatments. This conversation explores how seemingly disconnected health issues—like neck pain, migraines, and even behavior changes—can be rooted in the alignment of the body’s bones, and how Steven’s holistic approach to healing has led him to better health. Tune in to hear how an exploration into dental and spinal health can reshape one’s path toward overall well-being. The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

Join Dr. Bahar on If Your Mouth Could Talk as she sits down with Josh Clark—once a network engineer and PhD student, now a self-taught health expert through necessity. After a routine hip surgery led to a cascade of debilitating health issues, Josh spent over $100,000 and thousands of hours researching his own recovery. In this episode, he shares his insights on breathing, neurology, dentistry, and the power of patient-driven healthcare. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on resilience, research, and the interconnectedness of the human body.   The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.  

In this episode, Dr. Bahar sits down with Dr. Craig to explore the fascinating link between dentistry, chiropractic care, and whole-body health. They discuss how airway health, sinus function, and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid impact overall well-being. Through their journey of working together, they uncover how the alignment of the sacrum and occiput plays a critical role in breathing, sleep, and neurological function. Tune in to learn how proper breath mechanics and structural balance can be key to better health.   The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for professional medical guidance.

Join Dr. Bahar Esmaili, host of If Your Mouth Could Talk, in a compelling conversation with Kirk Huntsman, CEO of Vivos Therapeutics. Together, they explore innovative approaches to tackling sleep and breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. This episode dives into the complexities of airway health, the limitations of traditional treatments, and the groundbreaking therapies Vivos is developing to address root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. Discover how holistic, collaborative care can transform lives and reshape the future of healthcare.