#035 - Your Child’s Oral Health Affects Sleep, Speech & Development

Is your child struggling with sleep, snoring, mouth breathing, or restless nights?What if the issue isn’t “just a phase” — and actually starts in the mouth?In this podcast conversation, Dr. Maria Florou, sits down with child and family health nurse Clarinda Leanne to explore how children’s oral health impacts sleep, speech, breathing, development, and behavior.Many parents are told that baby teeth don’t matter, that snoring is normal, or that kids will “grow out of it.” In this episode, we challenge those beliefs and explain what parents should really be paying attention to in early childhood.In this episode, we discuss:Why children’s oral health is about more than just teethThe link between mouth breathing, snoring, and poor sleepHow baby teeth guide jaw growth and adult teeth developmentThe role of tongue posture in breathing and nervous system regulationCommon signs parents are told are “normal” — but shouldn’t be ignoredWhen to start oral care, brushing, and dental visitsFluoride, toothpaste choices, and informed decision-making for kidsThis episode is for parents who want to understand the root causes, not just manage symptoms — and who want to make informed, confident decisions about their child’s health.🎧 Listen, share with another parent who might need this, and remember: sleep, development, and behavior often start in the mouth.