From Iowa Roots to Global Health Innovations
Dr. Richard Downs, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, D-GMDIA, D-ASBA, embodies a remarkable journey of dedication and innovation within the realm of dental health and beyond. In an insightful conversation, Dr. Downs shared his life trajectory, from his formative years in rural Iowa to his distinguished career as a practicing dentist and his current groundbreaking work in developing wellness solutions. His story is a testament to a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a profound commitment to improving the well-being of others.
Growing up in a small town, Dr. Downs experienced the close-knit fabric of a rural community.
“I grew up in a little town called Montour, Iowa, right next to a reservation. My dad was good friends with the Native Americans living there. Montour was a rural small town with approximately 200 people,” he said.
This upbringing instilled in him a grounded perspective that would undoubtedly shape his interactions with patients and colleagues throughout his career.
His academic path led him through Montour Grade School and Marshalltown High School before he earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Iowa.
Even in his early academic pursuits, a spark of innovation was evident. “I spent two years at the community college in Marshalltown with a Workship Scholarship in chemistry. That is how I got interested in developing products. My chemistry background from the Workship Scholarship ignited my interest in innovation.”
Following dental school, Dr. Downs dedicated three years to serving as a Navy dental officer, an experience he recalls with pride.
“I practiced three years in the Navy, right after dental school. I enjoyed my stay there. It was a great experience that I would do all over again.”
This period not only refined his dental expertise but also instilled a sense of discipline and self-assurance. Reflecting on his decision to establish his own private practice in Iowa in 1978, he stated, “I felt more confident than most people who just started their practice immediately after graduation from dental school.”
After a distinguished 42 years in private practice, Dr. Downs retired from clinical dentistry in 2020. However, his passion for enhancing health and well-being ignited a new chapter focused on product development.
From Oral Care Foundations to the Hypochlorous Acid Revolution
Dr. Downs began his work in healthcare product development in 2012 with the co-founding of OraCare, a dental products company.
“I co-founded the OraCare company along with Dr. Robert Martino and Dr. Berdj Kaladjian in 2012 before I retired,” he clarified. He played a vital role in the company’s early formulations and growth. “When we started that company, I was very involved in helping establish our investment base.”
He expressed satisfaction with OraCare’s current success and hinted at an upcoming innovative toothpaste. “The company is doing really well, and we’re planning to launch a toothpaste in June, which will be revolutionary.”
Building on this foundation, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred Dr. Downs to embark on a new independent venture, leading to the creation of USA-Guard and the development of his key product, HypoNasal Spray & Rinse: https://www.hyponasal.com/.
“We launched the USA-Guard and the HypoNasal product line a little after the start of the pandemic around 2020. I’m incredibly pleased with HypoNasal’s results so far.”
The Remarkable Potential of Hypochlorous Acid
At the heart of Dr. Downs’ current product line lies hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a naturally produced molecule renowned for its powerful antimicrobial properties and remarkable safety profile. He emphasized the unique advantages of his HOCl-based products. HypoNasal is the only non-electrolysis produced HOCL nasal spray using ion-exchange technology. This product has no salt flavor or contaminants like hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. Dr. Downs has named this unique HOCL “IONOXX™”
“You can spray this on your skin and don’t have to rinse it off. You can spray it in your nose. It’s so safe, you can technically eat it. For instance, spraying it on your fruit from the store will kill the bacteria,” Dr. Downs explained.
He further differentiated his products from conventional disinfectants, highlighting the gentleness of HypoNasal products.
“On the other hand, quaternary ammonium compound products like the wipes you find at the stores are unsafe to put on your hands and skin. The HypoNasal products are one hundred times stronger than products like bleach, yet remain safe to breathe in, consume, and put on your skin.”
These facts underscore hypochlorous acid’s exceptional combination of efficacy and safety.
The Hypochlorous Acid Nasal Spray: Aiding Nasal Health and Breathing
Dr. Downs’ hypochlorous acid nasal spray stands as a primary product aimed at promoting nasal health and potentially improving respiratory function. While adhering to regulations against making definitive medical claims, he shared compelling anecdotal evidence of its positive impact.
“Encouraged by the impressive results our users report, we are moving forward with clinical studies. We’ve observed a reduction in the size of the nasal turbinates, effectively opening the airway and improving breathing. Remarkably, both allergy sufferers and non-allergic individuals are experiencing these benefits,” he said.
He recounted powerful testimonials, including one from a lifelong allergy sufferer who experienced significant relief for the first time.
“I recently received a testimonial from a young woman who has suffered from allergies since childhood. She said it was the first time in her life she’s been able to breathe through her nose,” he shared.
He also noted the immediate positive feedback from multiple individuals who typically use nasal dilators, seeing noticeable results.
Expanding the Arsenal: Hand and Surface Sanitizer
Complementing the nasal spray, Dr. Downs has also developed a hypochlorous acid-based hand and surface cleanser under the USA-Guard brand. He reiterated its safety and versatility, emphasizing its ability to sanitize effectively without the need for rinsing or concern about any toxic nature.
Addressing the Silent Epidemic: Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Drawing upon his extensive dental expertise, Dr. Downs addressed the critical issue of sleep-disordered breathing and its far-reaching health implications. He highlighted the often-underestimated prevalence of sleep apnea and the crucial role dentists can play in its management.
“The CDC has labeled poor sleep as an unrecognized epidemic. That’s why I wrote the book ‘Beautiful Faces: The Architects of Enhanced Attractiveness and Improved Human Breathing,’ co-authored by Dr. Joseph Zelk, a sleep specialist, which discusses how we’re now treating sleep. We’re widening airways in the mouth and the nose. That is better explained in the book with several very nice illustrations of people who have had excellent results with our products,” he said.
He discussed innovative solutions for sleep-disordered breathing, including the eXciteOSA, the first FDA-authorized daytime treatment for mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Downs also emphasized the often-overlooked issue of sleep apnea in children, frequently misdiagnosed or co-occurring with ADHD.
“The last Cleveland study I read claimed about fifty percent of children were misdiagnosed with ADHD. In reality, they just had trouble sleeping or staying asleep because of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. They’re putting these children on drugs that may not be necessary. Our products help address sleep apnea, which can lead to those children not needing to remain on their ADHD medications,” he said.
The Impact of Modern Life on Airway Health and the Dental Solution
Drawing from his book, ‘Beautiful Faces,’ Dr. Downs elucidated how modern diets have contributed to underdeveloped jaws and compromised airways.
“My book, ‘Beautiful Faces: The Architects of Enhanced Attractiveness and Improved Human Breathing,’ addresses how our modern bodies and faces are not like they used to be. We’re supposed to have a fuller lower jaw base and wider noses than we have. They have been progressively getting smaller as modern diets have changed and unhealthy eating habits have become more widespread,” he shared.
Dr. Downs highlighted the role of orthodontics in airway management, advocating for creating space rather than extracting teeth.
“I also address getting clear aligner orthodontics in ‘Beautiful Faces.’ It used to be that orthodontists would take out teeth and make less space, narrowing your mouth. We don’t recommend that anymore, if it’s at all possible. Now we know it’s best to widen the dental arches,” he expounded.
He also explained how oral appliances can help widen the nasal airway, particularly in children. Dr. Downs said oral appliances that widen the upper dental arch can expand the nasal passages simultaneously. This is because the roof of the mouth (palate) forms the floor of the nasal cavity. By widening the upper arch, particularly in children, it’s possible to achieve permanent widening of both the mouth and the nasal airway, improving breathing.
Sleep Balance Academy
Sleep Balance Academy is a health education and service platform founded by Dr. Richard Downs to help individuals identify and treat sleep-related breathing disorders, especially undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, that often go unnoticed in both dental and medical settings.
Dr. Downs created Sleep Balance Academy out of a conviction that poor sleep quality, disrupted breathing, and airway health issues are root causes of chronic disease, fatigue, premature aging, and even impaired facial development. After years of clinical observation, he saw the need for a simple, accessible approach to home-based sleep screening, airway evaluation, and early intervention using dental and lifestyle therapies. You can learn more about the Sleep Balance Academy by visiting https://www.sleepbalanceacademy.com/.
A Holistic Approach: Lifestyle, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Dr. Downs addressed the importance of lifestyle factors like weight loss in managing sleep apnea, but cautioned that it rarely provides a complete solution.
“We recommend a monitoring ring as a weight loss tool. What most people don’t know about weight loss is that losing weight can actually help improve your quality of sleep. However, it rarely gets you to the point where you don’t need any other treatment,” he said.
He emphasized the necessity of proper diagnosis through a sleep study, strongly advising against self-treatment. He advised against buying snoring remedies online based on self-diagnosis, as well, warning that these products often don’t work and could potentially worsen the underlying issue.
Dr. Downs outlined the process of obtaining a sleep study and emphasized the importance of a physician’s prescription for insurance coverage. He also mentioned a convenient and affordable online option through onlinehomesleepstudy.com. This service includes a comprehensive evaluation and a prescription for various treatment modalities.
Recognition for Innovation and a Vision for a Healthier Future
Towards the conclusion of the conversation, Dr. Downs was informed of his nomination for TopDoctor Product of the Year by TopDoctor Magazine and the prestigious “Blind Faith” sculpture award, recognizing significant contributions to healthcare. The symbolism of the award resonated deeply with his patient-centered approach.
Dr. Richard Downs’ journey, marked by a distinguished dental career and a pioneering spirit in developing innovative health solutions, stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of dedication, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to improving lives. His work with hypochlorous acid and his insights into dental sleep medicine position him as a true innovator in the pursuit of holistic well-being. Visit his website for more information at https://www.usa-guard.com/.
“Ultimately,” Dr. Downs concluded, “whether through the gentle yet powerful science of hypochlorous acid or the innovative expansion of our airways, the goal remains the same: to empower individuals to breathe easier, sleep soundly, and live healthier, more vibrant lives. The journey is ongoing, but the potential to transform well-being is immense, and dentistry is poised to be a leading force in this vital evolution.”
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