Published: Mon Apr 14 2025

This week on the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, we got real about something most people overlook: your child’s health doesn’t start in the gut—it starts in the mouth. And as a dental hygienist, mom, and someone who’s been through the ringer with personal health battles and my daughter’s challenges, I created the SHIFT Method to make sure no one else has to walk that path blind. Key Takeaways: -Why oral health is foundational – Your mouth is ground zero for everything: bacteria, inflammation, sleep quality, and yes—even your child’s behavioral issues. -What I wish I knew sooner – From breastfeeding to thumb sucking, and pacifiers to my daughter’s night terrors and bedwetting, I connected the dots between early mouth development and long-term health. Spoiler: perfectly straight baby teeth? Not always a good sign. -The power of nasal breathing – Mouth breathing in kids is more than a habit—it can lead to poor sleep, misaligned jaws, and even ADHD-like symptoms. We’re not just talki...