#339: How Mouth Breathing and Sleep Issues Can Mimic ADHD in Kids with Dr. Shereen Lim

Mouth breathing and sleep issues in kids can be more than just an annoyance; they may mimic ADHD, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments. While it’s easy to dismiss snoring, teeth grinding, or restless sleep as harmless, these can be signs of deeper airway health concerns that impact focus, learning, and emotional regulation. The good news is that understanding and addressing these issues can unlock your child’s potential for thriving health and better behavior.

In this episode, Dr. Shereen Lim, an airway-focused dentist and author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive, shares groundbreaking insights into how airway health shapes kids’ development. You’ll discover the hidden links between mouth breathing, sleep disturbances, and conditions like ADHD. Dr. Lim explains the red flags to watch for, from dark circles under the eyes to teeth grinding, and reveals practical strategies for parents to help their kids breathe better, sleep deeper, and thrive in every area of life. This episode is packed with actionable tips and fresh perspectives that every proactive parent needs to hear!

Topics covered in this episode:

• Mouth breathing and ADHD connection

• Signs of sleep-related breathing issues

• Benefits of palate expansion in kids

• Tongue tie and jaw development insights

• Myofunctional therapy for better sleep

Show Notes: 

• Learn more about Dr. Shereen

• Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!

• Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s Substack Mindset + Metabolism where women can learn how to nourish their bodies, hit their health and body composition goals, and become the most vibrant version of themselves.

• Listen to today’s episode on our website

Dr Shereen Lim is a Perth-based dentist with a postgraduate diploma in dental sleep medicine from the University of Western Australia.

She has been involved in the team management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea since 2011. 

Dr Lim is dedicated to promoting airway health from infancy as an alternative approach to minimize the development of these problems, and is author of the book “Breathe, Sleep, Thrive: Discover How Airway Health Can Unlock Your Child’s Greater Health, Learning and Potential.”

Her work in private practice is restricted to tongue tie management from infancy to adulthood, early interceptive orthodontics and myofunctional therapy.

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Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.