Episode 155: The "Small Jaw Pandemic" Affecting Children's Learning and Development with Dr. Leslie Pasco

In this episode of the Healthy Sleep Revolution podcast, we sit down with Dr. Leslie Pasco, a general dentist with over 25 years of clinical experience who has dedicated her career to early airway intervention in children. Our conversation explores why sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) often begin far earlier than most families and providers realize, and how modern lifestyle changes have contributed to what Dr. Pasco describes as a global "small jaw pandemic." We discuss why waiting until adulthood to address airway issues is too late, and how prevention-focused care can fundamentally change long-term health outcomes. We dive into the early signs and symptoms of pediatric SRBD, including chronic mouth breathing, snoring, bedwetting, poor sleep quality, and ADHD-like behaviors such as inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation. Dr. Pasco explains how compromised breathing and sleep can impact a child's neurocognitive development, behavior, and ability to thrive both academically and socially. We also explore why crowded teeth and facial growth patterns are not merely cosmetic concerns, but important indicators of airway restriction and functional imbalance. Finally, we explore the role of myofunctional therapy and early, non-invasive intervention through MyoWay Centers for Kids, which Dr. Pasco founded to focus exclusively on airway-centered pediatric care. She shares how guiding jaw growth, correcting oral muscle function, and addressing mouth breathing during critical developmental windows can dramatically improve sleep, behavior, and overall health. This episode is a powerful reminder that children do not need to "grow out of" sleep and breathing issues — with the right awareness and collaboration, we can intervene early and change the trajectory of a child's life. What You Will Learn: Early signs and symptoms of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children How mouth breathing and poor jaw development affect sleep, behavior, and brain function The connection between pediatric SRBD and ADHD-like symptoms Why early intervention is critical for healthy neurocognitive development How myofunctional therapy supports airway health and facial growth The mission and model behind MyoWay Centers for Kids About Dr. Leslie Pasco With over 25 years of experience as a general dentist, healthcare consultant, and professional speaker, Dr. Leslie Pasco has witnessed firsthand the widespread impact of underdeveloped jaws and restricted airways. After treating hundreds of thousands of patients, she recognized a growing public health issue linked to mouth breathing, poor jaw development, and sleep-related breathing disorders. As a trained orofacial myologist and certified Buteyko Breathing Instructor, Dr. Pasco now dedicates her work to early, preventive care for children. Driven by research showing that airway dysfunction in childhood is connected to ADHD-like symptoms, poor sleep, and long-term health risks, Dr. Pasco founded MyoWay Centers for Kids. Her programs focus on non-invasive, early myofunctional therapy using FDA-approved appliances to guide healthy jaw and airway development during critical growth periods. Through both in-person and virtual care, Dr. Pasco's mission is to help children breathe better, sleep better, and build a healthier future from the very start. Connect with Dr. Leslie Pasco Website: https://myowaycenters.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlesliepasco/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLesliePasco/  About Meghna Dassani Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.   Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghna_dassani/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meghna-dassani