What happens after jaw surgery—and how can airway health change your life?

In this "where are they now" episode of Gums & Gossip, Jen returns to share how jaw surgery transformed more than her breathing—it reshaped her sleep, confidence, and sense of safety in her own body. We talk honestly about dental fear, medical anxiety, and the emotional side of healing that often goes unspoken.

You’ll hear about:

• The fears Jen faced before jaw surgery
• The link between airway health, anxiety, and sleep
• What recovery was really like
• Why airway issues are often overlooked
• How learning to breathe better changed daily life
• Tips for advocating for yourself in dental and medical settings

This episode is for anyone who has delayed care because of fear, felt dismissed by providers, or wants to better understand airway health and jaw surgery without the overwhelm.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Gums & Gossip for real conversations that reduce dental fear and empower patients through education and storytelling.

Tags: jaw surgery, airway health, dental fear, dental anxiety, breathing issues, airway dentistry, sleep health, patient advocacy, women’s health, healing journey

What happens when your body says “enough”—and you choose to listen?

In this powerful episode of Gums & Gossip, host Hope Loyd sits down with Shalini, a somatic psychotherapist, trauma therapist, and nervous system educator from West Yorkshire, UK. Shalini shares her deeply personal journey through a full nervous system breakdown, a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and how she healed by understanding the body’s stress and trauma responses.

Together, Hope and Shalini explore:

• How trauma and chronic stress live in the nervous system
• Why fear shows up in the body—especially in the jaw, breath, and dental chair
• Simple somatic tools to regulate anxiety and feel safe again
• How nervous system rituals can support healing from chronic pain, illness, and long-term stress
• The connection between emotional safety, oral health, and whole-body wellness

This episode is especially powerful for anyone experiencing dental anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, jaw tension, teeth clenching, or feeling overwhelmed by their own body.

If you’ve ever felt like your body was holding fear you couldn’t explain—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

🎙️ Listen now and discover how small, compassionate practices can help you reclaim calm, safety, and trust in your body.

Follow IG: gumsngossip; shalini_cameron.nervoussystem

https://shalinicameron.co.uk

In this episode of Gums & Gossip Podcast, we dive into the inspiring work of a global advocate for Afghan women, Mursal Kakar , exploring the intersection of healthcare, dental wellness, education, and empowerment. From her humanitarian efforts in Germany to advocating for women’s rights on the international stage, she shares powerful stories of resilience, hope, and cultural pride.

We discuss the challenges Afghan women face, the importance of access to healthcare and dental care, and how advocacy and diplomacy can create real change. This episode is a reminder that even in the toughest circumstances, hope and empowerment can thrive.

✨ Listen to learn:

• How Afghan women are overcoming barriers to education and health
• The link between wellness, dental care, and empowerment
• Stories of resilience and inspiration from humanitarian efforts
• How you can support global women’s rights initiatives
  

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the movement for hope, wellness, and empowerment.

Follow IG @Mursalmkakar @gumsngossip