From living with orofacial pain to becoming a leading voice in TMJ and complex pain therapy, Vita Zhylyak’s journey is as inspiring as it is transformative. In this episode, we dive deep into:

-Vita’s personal story and the spark behind her “Unlocking Jaw Secrets” course
-Her clinical philosophy for navigating intricate diagnoses like TMJD, Eagle Syndrome, Trigeminal Neuralgia, POTS, and MCAS,
-Key insights into assessing chronic facial pain—and spotting what others often miss
-The vital role of posture, breathwork, and nervous system regulation in effective TMJ care
-How she customizes therapy far beyond the typical “exercise protocol”
-Clinical pearls for working with post-surgical patients and collaborative care boundaries

If you’re a myofunctional therapist, dental professional, or simply fascinated by the complexities of orofacial pain, this episode is packed with knowledge, compassion, and practical strategies. Tune in and discover how deeper understanding and whole-body integration can transform patient outcomes—and your clinical practice.

Shownotes:

CES Ultra: Helps with TMD, Vagus Nerve stimulant, Tinnitus etc.

https://www.cesultra.com

Book how to read faces and on Chinese Medicine: WTF? Why the face. Dr Todd Fisher:

https://wtfwhytheface.com/product/wtf-why-the-face-a-practical-guide-to-understanding-health-and-personality-through-facial-diagnosis/

Doterra oils:

https://link.doterra.com/TrvWpR

In this episode, I’m joined by airway-centered dentist and Toothpillow co-founder Dr. Kalli Hale to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in pediatric airway care:

➡️ That a guidance appliance alone can "fix" the problem.
We dive into the truth about the Toothpillow model—what it is, what it’s not, and why true, lasting growth requires more than just passive tools.
Dr. Hale shares:
-Why myofunctional therapy is an essential part of guided growth
-The difference between muscle-based shaping and true skeletal expansion
-How early intervention can support natural development—when done the right way
-What parents and providers often misunderstand about the role of appliances
-How the Toothpillow team integrates therapy, appliance support, and provider collaboration to get real results

Whether you’re confused about guidance appliances, skeptical about virtual care, or simply curious how myo and dental work can come together before problems arise—this episode will give you clarity.

🎧 Listen now and learn more at toothpillow.com

From Burnout to Balance: Nervous System Tools Every Hygienist Needs

Stress is more than just part of the job—it’s living in our bodies, shaping our breath, and impacting our well-being far beyond the operatory. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow dental hygienist, Heather DeJonge who’s turned her personal stress journey into a passion for nervous system regulation.

We dive into what stress really looks like in clinical care, how to recognize the signs of dysregulation, and what tools you can start using—right now—to shift from survival mode to a state of calm, focus, and presence. From breathwork to somatic movement and cognitive reframes, this episode is packed with practical strategies that actually fit into your day.

If you’ve ever ended a hygiene day with tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a sense of emotional exhaustion… this conversation is for you.

https://www.instagram.com/the_relaxed_hygienist/