Episode 148: Revolutionizing Sleep Through Airway-Focused Dentistry with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya

In today’s enlightening episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya, the heart behind Seva Dental in Bellbrook, Ohio. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a deeply personal journey into sleep-disordered breathing, Dr. Somaiya shares how incorporating sleep medicine into her dental practice has transformed not only her own life and her family's health—but is now changing the lives of her patients as well. This isn’t just a conversation about straight teeth—it’s about functional dentistry and how something as seemingly cosmetic as Invisalign can have life-changing impacts when used with intention. You’ll discover how airway-focused dentistry plays a vital role in supporting proper tongue posture, creating space for better breathing, and ultimately helping to address conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why crowding of the teeth isn't just an aesthetic issue—it’s an airway issue - How functional orthodontics like Invisalign can create space for the tongue and improve breathing - The importance of proper tongue posture and ideal oral resting posture - Why snoring, grinding, and bedwetting in kids should never be ignored - The variety of effective treatment options available beyond CPAP therapy - How dental professionals can be key allies in identifying and treating sleep apnea Top 3 Takeaways from Dr. Somaiya: - Parents, pay attention to your child’s sleep habits – Snoring, grinding, and hyperactivity are warning signs, not phases they’ll “grow out of.” - Don’t ignore a sleep apnea diagnosis – If CPAP isn’t working for you, there are alternatives like oral appliance therapy that can help you breathe and sleep better. - Be your own advocate – If your doctor isn’t taking your symptoms seriously, keep pushing. Find a provider who listens and offers solutions tailored to your needs. About Dr. Nimisha Somaiya Dr. Nimisha Somaiya is an airway-focused dentist and passionate advocate for whole-person, patient-centered care. As the founder of Seva Dental in Bellbrook, Ohio, she is known for her calming presence and commitment to improving her patients’ lives through better breathing, sleep, and wellness. “Seva,” meaning “service” in her native language, reflects the compassionate philosophy at the heart of her practice. Originally trained at one of India’s top dental schools, Dr. Somaiya moved to the U.S. in 2001, completed advanced training at Southern Illinois University, and earned IV sedation certification during her hospital residency at Miami Valley Hospital. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction held by fewer than 6% of U.S. dentists. Her areas of expertise include: Airway and sleep dentistry Invisalign® and airway-conscious orthodontics IV sedation and full-mouth rehabilitation Dr. Somaiya has pursued extensive training through the Clinical Mastery Series and various airway-focused programs to stay on the leading edge of dental care. A former President of the Dayton Dental Society and a 2015 Dayton Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree, she remains actively involved in her professional and local communities. Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling, gardening, hiking, cooking with her family, and practicing mindfulness. Connect with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevadental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SevaDental/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SevaDental Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sevadental NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages/seva-dental-bellbrook-oh/ Linked In: Seva Dental: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sevadental Dr. Nimisha Somaiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimishasomaiya/ About Meghna Dassani Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA’s 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep. Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com