#380: Pediatric Dental Health and Mouth Breathing: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Kalli Hale
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Release Date: 09/16/2025
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
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info_outlineSnoring and mouth breathing are often dismissed, but for children, they can have life-altering effects. From behavioral challenges and ADHD-like symptoms to poor sleep, academic struggles, and even long-term health risks, airway issues can be the missing piece parents never considered.
In this episode, dentist and airway health pioneer Dr. Kalli Hale uncovers how early intervention can reshape a child’s health, development, and future. You’ll learn what you can do to support crooked teeth and enlarged tonsils from an integrative approach, how orthodontics can go beyond braces to impact airway health, and what subtle signs parents should never ignore. Most importantly, you’ll walk away empowered with practical steps to protect your child’s wellbeing today and set them up for a thriving tomorrow. Dr. Kalli is a proud founder and the Chief Dental Officer for Toothpillow, a telehealth platform for kids 3-12, designed by expert airway dentists and myofunctional therapists to treat jaws non-surgically, improving breathing, sleep, and overall oral health. We’ve partnered with them for this episode to showcase this innovative, convenient option for parents.
Topics Covered In This Episode:
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Sleep disordered breathing and ADHD in children
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Mouth breathing, tonsils, and airway health
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Early orthodontics and jaw development
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How sleep impacts learning and behavior
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Tools and therapies to support better breathing
Show Notes:
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Get your Free video assessment (a $50 value) and $200 off treatment with code DOCTORMOM
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Purchase Kids' mouth tape
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Learn more about Wyndly allergy testing
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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!
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Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.
Dr. Kalli Hale is passionate about how our teeth affect our systemic health. Her training in obstructive sleep apnea has transformed both her personal and professional career. Dr. Hale works with dentists around the country to develop clinical protocols for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing. Her work in pediatric expansion and sleep-disordered breathing catapulted her speaking career and lives by the slogan “we have to start getting it right, for our kids.” Kalli is the co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of The Airway Dentists, a group of practices in Houston dedicated to ridding the world of sleep-disordered breathing." Kalli is a proud founder and the Chief Dental Officer for Toothpillow, Inc.!
This Episode’s Sponsors
Changing lives overnight!
Toothpillow is a telehealth platform for kids 3-12, designed by expert airway dentists and myofunctional therapists to treat jaws non-surgically, improving breathing, sleep, and overall health.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you!
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.