Exploring the Jaw-Pelvic Floor Link with Michael Bennett

Pelvic floor physical therapist Bree Allred interviews dentist and dental sleep medicine specialist Dr. Mike Bennett about connections between the jaw, airway, sleep quality, nervous system regulation, and pelvic floor function. Bennett explains how sleep-related breathing disorders and sympathetic “fight or flight” activation can drive bruxism and chronic jaw pain, and how pelvic injuries or inflammation can also contribute to clenching, making care bidirectional and team-based. They discuss evaluating airway obstruction with imaging and sleep testing, alternatives and challenges to CPAP, myofunctional therapy, nasal breathing benefits, posture and trauma influences, and simple lifestyle supports like hydration and whole foods. They note improvements in children’s issues (bedwetting, constipation, ADHD-like symptoms) and emphasize root-cause, interprofessional care focused on optimizing sleep as a foundation for healing. 00:00 Sleep and Bedwetting Link 00:34 Show Intro and Mission 00:58 Meet Dr Mike Bennett 01:58 Root Causes Behind TMJ 04:43 Why the Jaw Drives Survival 06:19 Pelvic Floor Connection 08:35 Sleep Pain and Fertility 09:52 Airway Evaluation and Treatment 12:16 Why Devices Fail and Body Triggers 14:36 Nervous System Breathing Basics 16:26 Nose Breathing and Nitric Oxide 18:22 Team Based Care and Referrals 21:15 Practice Location and Next Steps 21:47 Pediatric Sleep Screening 23:31 Why Jaws Are Shrinking 25:01 Treating Kids Without Surgery 26:03 Posture and Nervous System 28:34 Simple Lifestyle Upgrades 31:40 Women and TMJ Patterns 34:38 Sleep as the Healer 38:41 Mouth Taping Safely 41:11 Where to Start Care 44:19 Rapid Fire Wrap Up 45:40 Final Takeaways Thank you for listening to *Healing at Your Core*. If today's conversation resonated with you, please share this episode with someone who could benefit from it. Every share helps us reach more women who may be silently living with symptoms they think they have to accept, when healing is truly possible. Have a wonderful day. **Bree Allred, PT, DPT, PRPC** *"Common does not mean normal. Healing begins when we start the conversation."* ## CONNECT with Bree & Access Trusted Pelvic Health Resources Discover expert education, practical tools, and evidence-based guidance designed to help you better understand your body and take the next step toward healing. You'll also gain access to valuable resources and become part of a supportive community of women who are restoring comfort, confidence, and quality of life through every season. **Join FREE at:** www.aylarapelvichealth.com **Follow Bree on Social Media:** Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn **Bonus Resource:** Schedule your **FREE Discovery Call** and learn how personalized pelvic floor physical therapy can help you restore movement, comfort, and confidence. About Guest Mike Bennett, DDS, PhD, is a board certified dentist and educator passionate about helping people breathe, sleep, and heal through airway focused care. With a PhD in Healthcare Professions Education, he empowers both dentists and the general public to understand the critical link between oral health and whole body wellness. His mission is to transform lives by making dentistry about more than teeth — it's about total health. Links Podcast: https://morethanteeth.com Website: https://www.advanced-dentalcare.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bennett-54a7b859/