The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, we open up about the challenges many parents face when raising a highly sensitive child. We’ve all been there: the meltdowns over itchy tags, the wrong spoon, or overwhelming smells. At first glance, these reactions seem like "over-sensitivity" or behavioral issues—but as we dig deeper, we uncover a different story.   We explore how much of this sensitivity actually stems from nervous system dysregulation, often linked to breathing patterns, poor sleep, and even oral tension. Mouth breathing, for example, not only dries tissues but disrupts oxygen intake, sleep rhythms, and the body's ability to regulate emotions and sensory input. We share personal stories, like Ellie's, where simple interventions—breathing retraining, myofunctional therapy, and sleep support—led to profound shifts in behavior and well-being.   One key takeaway? Sensitivity isn't a flaw. It's the body's way of signaling overwhelm. Instead of asking, "How do I fix my child’s behavior?" we shift to asking, "Why does their world feel so overwhelming?" This change in perspective opens doors to real, supportive interventions rather than judgment or blame.   We also discuss how common misdiagnoses like ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety might actually be the symptoms of deeper physiological imbalances. And yes—sometimes what looks like defiance is really just depletion.   At the end of the day, we remind ourselves (and you) that we’re not failing. We’re learning. We’re discovering tools, therapies, and insights that help our children not only survive but thrive.   Join us as we continue to explore these critical conversations. And remember—you are your child’s best advocate. You’re doing better than you think.   Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode, I dove deep into one of the most important conversations I think we’ve had yet: the silent link between airway health, behavior, and attention struggles in children. We explored the idea that many kids who are labeled with ADHD might actually be suffering from something entirely different—and often overlooked—airway dysfunction.   Let me be clear—ADHD is real, but we need to ask better questions. We need to look at why so many kids are dysregulated, tired, chewing their sleeves, struggling to focus, or melting down over the tiniest things. The culprit? Often it’s mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, and disrupted sleep, which can mimic or even worsen ADHD symptoms.   We talked about how the position of the tongue, sleep quality, and oxygen flow all affect the nervous system, digestion, and brain function. Kids like Luca, who was misdiagnosed and medicated for ADHD, showed remarkable changes once we addressed his airway health. No magic—just science and compassion.   I also shared red flags to look for: -Mouth breathing (especially at night) -Snoring, grinding, or night terrors -Waking up tired despite a full night’s sleep -Constant chewing (clothes, pencils) -Tiptoe walking -Emotional volatility and quick meltdowns   If this sounds like your child—or a child you know—it’s not about blame. It’s about awareness and action. Labels like ADHD can follow a child for life. But if we shift our lens and ask better questions, we might be able to change the entire trajectory of their future.   I also invited listeners to download my 10 Red Flags Checklist, join the Shift Circle, and stay connected via my newsletter. We’re building a community where we can talk candidly about what’s really going on without being dismissed or gaslit.   Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode of The Healthy Mouth Movement, we get real about something many parents sense but can’t quite name: when a child’s behavior is actually a reflection of their biology. We talk about how signs like meltdowns, toe walking, chewing on everything, sleep issues, and poor posture might not be “just a phase” or even ADHD—they might be the result of a nervous system stuck in survival mode.   We open up about our own parenting missteps and discoveries (hey, no judgment—we’ve all been there) and share the red flags we wish someone had pointed out earlier. From mouth breathing and tethered oral tissues to overlooked conditions like POTS, PANDAS, and EDS, this episode connects the dots between the mouth, the nervous system, and your child’s overall regulation.   Key Takeaways: -Behavior is biology. What looks like defiance might be your child’s nervous system screaming for help. -The mouth tells a story. Chronic mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and poor sleep are often the first clues. -It’s more common than we think. Conditions like POTS and PANDAS are often misdiagnosed or missed entirely. -Small shifts = big impact. We talk about tools like nasal breathing exercises, crunchy foods, craniosacral therapy, and myofunctional work that can help bring your child’s body back to safety and balance. -Be the advocate. No one knows your child like you do. If no one is asking the right questions, you can—and should—start doing so.   If your child struggles with focus, emotions, sleep, or sensory overload, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Let’s stop guessing and start seeing.   Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode, I shared a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation about something so many of us moms instinctively feel... What if our kids' struggles aren’t “just a phase”?   We started with a real story — a boy named Max whose challenges with sleep, focus, and mood were brushed off as “normal” or labeled as ADHD. But something didn’t sit right with his mom. And honestly? I’ve been there too.   This episode is all about trusting that gut feeling and starting to look beneath the surface. We dove into early warning signs that often get missed — like mouth breathing, restless sleep, picky eating, bedwetting, and poor focus. These aren't just quirks; they can be biological red flags pointing to airway issues, nervous system dysregulation, and poor tongue posture.   I broke down the basics of my SHIFT Method — a clear, functional approach that helps parents spot these signs early and take meaningful action. Some of the big takeaways?   -Common doesn’t mean normal. -Picky eating, tantrums, and even bedwetting can be rooted in biological function, not behavior. -Breathing through the nose (not the mouth) is foundational for sleep, mood, and brain development. -Small changes like introducing chewy foods, watching how our kids breathe when they sleep, and practicing box breathing can create powerful shifts. -We’re not just caring for teeth — we’re supporting growing nervous systems, airways, and whole bodies.   And most importantly: You're not late. You're not crazy. You're just early to the truth.   If you're thinking, “Wait… this might be my kid,” then this episode is for you. I also shared ways to go deeper — like downloading the free 10 Red Flags Checklist, joining the newsletter, and stepping into our private Shift Circle community.   Let’s stop waiting for someone else to connect the dots — we can lead this change.   Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode, we shift from awareness to action as part of Mouth Breathing Awareness Month. Up to now, we’ve talked a lot about the “what” — mouth breathing, shrinking faces, chaotic brains — but today, we’re diving into the “how.” What can we actually do at home to support our kids’ development, even if our healthcare providers aren’t quite on board yet?   We get super practical with tools, habits, and mindset shifts that make a massive difference in your child’s airway health, jaw growth, brain development, and even behavior — and the best part is, you can start today, right in your own kitchen.   Key Takeaways:   -Chewing is powerful. We’re not just talking about eating — we’re talking about building strong faces and functional airways. Crunchy, chewy foods like carrots, apples, jerky, and sourdough bread are your new best friends. Even playful tools like myo-munchies or frozen chew toys can be game-changers. -Mouth breathing affects everything. From sleep and posture to emotional regulation and digestion — if your child is mouth breathing, it’s time to pay attention. We share easy, fun exercises to promote nose breathing and tongue posture (think cotton ball games and “lips-zipped” challenges). -The tongue is a hidden superhero. Where it rests changes how the jaw and face grow. We talk tongue position, fun tricks to build strength, and how to tell if there might be a bigger issue at play. - Nutrition matters. Your child’s jaw and airway need building blocks: vitamins D, K2, magnesium, and zinc. We talk simple swaps and nutrient-rich foods even picky eaters can manage. - This isn’t just about kids — it’s generational. These habits (and dysfunctions) are often passed down. That means we, as parents, have the power to heal both backward and forward. How cool is that? - Brush, floss, and... chew. Oral hygiene matters, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The bigger picture? How we chew, how we breathe, and how we live.   "Your child isn’t broken. You’re not too late. And it all starts with small steps — one crunchy carrot, one deeper breath, one mindful moment at a time."   We hope this episode inspires you to take action, trust your gut, and see your child (and yourself) through a whole new lens. Let’s grow strong, together.   Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min