Dr. Anna Cabeca – The Girlfriend Doctor

TGFD Club Call # 122

The TGFD Club Call #122 centered on oral‑facial myofunctional disorders (OFMD) and their relevance to perimenopause and menopause. Guest speaker Chris Zomb, a certified myofunctional therapist and women’s‑health coach, explained how muscle tone in the tongue, jaw, and airway declines with estrogen loss, leading to airway collapse, sleep disturbances, and dental problems. Zomb highlighted that low tongue posture—resting on the teeth or floor of the mouth—disrupts swallowing, speech, and nasal breathing, while also promoting malocclusion, gum inflammation, and bruxism. He linked bisphosphonate use to mandibular necrosis and described how proper tongue placement supports palate development, reduces overjet, and stabilizes orthodontic outcomes. Practical data included a case of a 10‑year‑old who became a mouth‑breather, developing a retruded chin and gummy smile. The session featured personal anecdotes, such as Zomb’s own transition from weight‑stable adult to “magic menopause” coach, and interactive exercises where participants tested tongue‑to‑roof positioning while sipping water. Notable quotes included, “The tongue is a breathing organ; keep it up to keep the airway open,” and a reminder that “supporting hormones and inflammation together prevents the body from working harder.” Implications are clear: integrating OFMD therapy with hormonal and nutritional coaching offers a holistic solution for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, while also opening a niche market for dental and wellness professionals seeking to address sleep apnea, bruxism, and facial structural changes.