18. Small Jaws & Big Problems: What Every Parent Needs to Know

In this episode of Dentistry Disrupted, Dr. Craig Clayton (@restoration.dentistry) sits down with Dr. Vivian Chen (@plateful.health) — a UK-trained medical doctor turned integrative health expert and co-founder of Lumebox, a red light therapy company dedicated to evidence-based healing.After watching her father recover from debilitating pain by using red light therapy, Dr. Viv began digging into the science behind it. Uncovering how light can awaken the mitochondria (the “powerhouses” of our cells) to boost energy, healing, and resilience throughout the body.Together, they explore: ✨ How red and near-infrared light target the mitochondria to promote healing at the cellular level and why this matters for health as you get older ✨ Why not all red light devices are created equal — and what makes Lumebox different ✨ Real results for pain, skin health, inflammation, and hair growth ✨ How to use red light safely and effectively at home ✨ The truth about “root cause” medicine and why real healing means more than just taking more supplements…Dr. Viv shares how Lumebox was born from science, not hype — with rigorous testing, medical-grade quality, and transparent data on light dosage and safety.If you’ve ever been curious about red light therapy and whether it’s worth the investment, this is the episode for you.Visit lumebox.com to explore the science, see before-and-after results, and shop devices tested for real results.💥 11.11 Sale — Limited Time! Get 50% off Lumebox red light therapy devices — now only $315 (was $629). This is the best price you will ever find on the Lumebox, so if you’ve been eyeing this, now is the time to grab one!

Too often, parents are told their child will “grow out of it.” Snoring? Normal. Grinding? Just a phase. Bedwetting? Don’t worry about it. But what if those symptoms are actually red flags—and you’ve been dismissed over and over? In this episode of Dentistry Disrupted, Dr. Craig Clayton is joined by airway health pioneer Dr. Shereen Lim, author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive, for a conversation that will resonate with every parent who’s ever felt unheard. Dr. Lim shares how her own experience as a mom—and hearing stories from dismissed and desperate parents—drove her to write a book that connects the dots. Because parents don’t need another brush-off, they need tools, information, and the confidence to trust their gut and take action. This episode is your permission slip to dig deeper. To question. To advocate. We're at a tipping point. Just over a decade ago, Dr. Lim was almost blocked from speaking at a university conference because her airway-focused approach was seen as “outside the norm.” Today, her clinic is so full she’s had to close her books—and more providers are waking up to the importance of early intervention. The movement is happening, and parents like you are leading the charge. 💪🏼 What We Cover: The alarming number of children being missed and dismissed by providers Dr. Lim’s personal story of helping her own daughters—and what she wishes she knew sooner Why airway issues like mouth breathing, sleep disruption, and bedwetting aren’t just “normal” How her book Breathe, Sleep, Thrive gives parents a framework to understand and act The pushback she faced early on—and why the momentum is finally shifting How parents are the key to driving change in pediatric airway health Where to go and who to trust when you’re looking for answers     Resources Mentioned: Breathe, Sleep, Thrive by Dr. Shereen Lim  Link to her Facebook page AAPMD Provider Directory Breathe Institute Directory   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Airway Health and Dental Sleep Medicine02:30 The Journey into Airway Medicine05:14 Early Intervention in Orthodontics07:45 Personal Experiences with Children's Airway Health10:22 The Impact of Early Treatment12:55 Understanding Airway Issues in Patients15:39 Inspiration Behind 'Breathe, Sleep, Thrive'18:23 Communicating Complex Ideas Simply21:43 Understanding the Gaps in Healthcare23:51 The Shift Towards Holistic Health27:12 The Role of Parents in Healthcare Advocacy32:12 Transformative Patient Stories35:48 Empowering Parents with Knowledge41:12 The Importance of Collaborative Care

Your doctor told you it’s “just a phase.” But what if your child’s mouth breathing, constant congestion, or picky eating isn’t just frustrating—it’s your child’s way of showing something deeper is going on? In this episode, Dr. Clayton—airway-focused dentist and father of two—shares five commonly overlooked signs that your child may be struggling with an airway issue. These aren’t random quirks. They’re signals. And the earlier you catch them, the better your child’s sleep, development, and behavior can be. Please note: There are dozens of other symptoms! Only 5 are discussed in today's episode. Others that may show up are inflamed tonsils, delayed speech, bed wetting, crowded teeth, grinding their teeth day or night, and many more. This episode is for every parent who’s ever had a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right—but wasn’t sure where to turn. Dr. Clayton walks you through what these red flags look like, why they matter, and what you can do starting today. Dr. Clayton is hosting a Live Airway Class on June 16th for parents who want to understand the signs, learn what really matters, and take action with a collaborative root cause approach to care. 👉 Sign up for the class here, before the doors close on June 15th! Follow Dr. Clayton on Instagram here!  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Airway Issues in Children01:03 Red Flag 1: Mouth Breathing04:37 Red Flag 2: Snoring and Noisy Breathing06:30 Red Flag 3: Nursing Difficulties in Infants07:21 Red Flag 4: Picky Eating and Food Aversion08:45 Red Flag 5: Chronic Congestion and Frequent Illness12:41 Conclusion + Invite To Live Class

When Eliza was a child, sleep was never restful. Her tonsils were huge, her palate was narrow, and breathing through her nose felt like trying to sip air through a coffee straw. No one ever asked about her sleep. Doctors dismissed her symptoms. And so she quietly carried exhaustion, anxiety, and overwhelm into adulthood—thinking it was just normal. Until her husband, Dr. Clayton, began learning about airway health. In today's episode of Dentistry Disrupted, Eliza and Dr. Clayton get personal and share their family’s decades-long struggle. From Eliza’s own childhood struggles to their son’s early feeding difficulties, teeth grinding, and behavioral challenges—this episode uncovers the overlooked signs of sleep-disordered breathing and how addressing the root cause can change lives. Together, they discuss: The turning point that led Dr. Clayton to pursue airway education How a collaborative, functional approach helped their family heal Why airway issues are often dismissed by traditional providers How to recognize signs and get the right help for your child What their upcoming Holistic Airway Health for Families class will teach If you’ve ever been told “they’ll grow out of it,” this episode is your sign to keep asking questions. Please leave us a review, share the episode, and stay tuned for our upcoming live class. You’re not alone—and help is out there! Resources Join the Waitlist for the Holistic Airway Health for Families Class Here! Want more?! Follow us here!  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Airway Health Journey00:45 Eliza's Personal Experience with Airway Issues04:43 The Importance of Early Intervention05:30 Recognizing Signs in Children09:39 The Broader Impact of Airway Health11:12 Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment12:54 Success Stories and Collaborative Approaches14:00 Holistic Airway Health Class19:19 Conclusion 

In this episode, Dr. Craig D. Clayton sits down with friend and innovative practitioner, Dr. Neel Bulchandani—an integrative airway chiropractor—for a conversation that just might change the way you think about healing. They explore one of the most overlooked sources of tension in the body and a surprising key to whole-body wellness: the floor of your mouth. Dr. Neel shares how this often-ignored area can impact everything from breathing and posture to emotional well-being. His unique approach and journey into airway health began with his own daughter’s tongue tie, and he talks about how that personal experience pushed him to look at the body differently. What followed was years of curiosity, research, and deep work that led to the development of his now sought-after approach to releasing hidden tension. Whether deep into bodywork or just starting to explore holistic health, this conversation will open your eyes to how connected our bodies are—and how much healing is possible when we pay attention to the areas we often ignore. 💬 What we dive into: How the floor of the mouth impacts the entire body Why tongue ties affect so much more than just breastfeeding The emotional side of physical tightness (and how it shows up in the body) Real-life stories of patients—including virtual ones—finding lasting relief Why releasing tension in the mouth can shift everything from headaches to posture to sleep How to access this healing—whether you're a parent, a practitioner, or just curious ➡️ Ready to catch and correct airway problems before they disrupt your child's growth and development? Join our LIVE class - Holistic Airway Health For Families ➡️ Follow Dr. Neel Bulchandani on Instagram here!  ➡️ For fellow providers, click here for tickets to his Floor of the Mouth Tour (Coming to Phoenix, Boise, & Chicago!) ➡️ Click here for Dr. Neel’s mini-course - Tongue Press (Don't forget to use code DISRUPT20 for $70 off!)   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Airway Health and Live Class Announcement02:37 Meet Dr. Neel Bulchandani: Integrative Airway Chiropractor04:46 Understanding Integrative Airway Chiropractic09:35 The Importance of the Floor of the Mouth15:50 Emotional Connections to Physical Tension23:00 Exploring Overlooked Areas in Healing27:22 The Year of Sharing: Tongue Press Insights29:22 Real-Life Transformations: Remote Protocol Success Stories34:30 Unlocking Airway Health: The Connection to the Floor of Mouth45:54 Empowering Practitioners: Resources and Mindset Shifts

 In this episode of Dentistry Disrupted, Dr. Craig Clayton is joined by his personal functional medicine provider and friend, Lyndsy Kinghorn. Lyndsy is a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in family and anti-aging medicine and the founder of Foundation Functional Medicine in Boise, Idaho. Together, they explore the powerful overlap between functional medicine and functional dentistry—and how collaborating across disciplines can radically transform patient care. Lindsay shares her journey from ER nurse practitioner and competitive athlete to passionate functional medicine provider after her own unresolved health symptoms led her to seek deeper answers. She breaks down the key differences between traditional and functional medicine, emphasizes the importance of root cause resolution, and highlights the limitations of “normal” lab ranges. They also discuss the life-changing impact of personalized care, including how Lyndsy helped Craig’s wife finally get the answers she'd been looking for after years of frustration. Whether you’re a patient curious about the gaps in traditional healthcare or a provider seeking better outcomes for your patients, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and real-life transformation stories. What You’ll Learn: Why Lyndsy transitioned from emergency medicine to functional medicine How functional medicine uncovers root causes behind chronic symptoms What “normal” labs miss—and what to look for instead How functional dentists and functional medicine providers can collaborate Real success stories, including Dr. Clayton’s wife’s health journey   Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, frequent cavities, or just want to take a more holistic approach to your health, this conversation will give you the insight and tools to move forward. If you would like to work with Lyndsy or her team at Foundation Functional Medicine, check out the website here!  For the free eating hygiene guide mentioned in the podcast, click here.  Follow Lyndsy on Instagram here!   Chapters 00:00 Exploring Functional vs Traditional Medicine09:43 The Importance of Gut Health14:53 Understanding Hormonal Health20:09 The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness25:11 Collaborative Care in Functional Medicine27:20 Simple Steps to Improve Health30:12 Finding the Right Functional Medicine Provider

When Paige first heard her daughter snoring at night, she thought it was just a cute little habit—nothing to worry about. But as restless nights, emotional meltdowns, and behavior struggles piled up, she started to put the pieces together. As a pediatric nurse, Paige had spent her career in traditional medicine, but when it came to her own kids, she realized something was missing. In this episode, she joins Dr. Clayton to share her journey of uncovering the root cause of her children’s sleep issues, navigating dismissive medical advice, and ultimately finding real solutions beyond the typical “wait and see” approach. If your child snores, grinds their teeth, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with bedwetting, this episode is a must-listen. When kids don’t get deep, restful sleep, it affects everything—from their mood and behavior to their growth and long-term health. 00:00 Introduction to Airway Health Journey 04:33 Recognizing Airway Issues in Children 08:05 ENT Visit and Initial Solutions 13:26  Exploring Myofunctional Therapy 23:08 The Journey of Myofunctional Therapy 30:26 Overcoming Challenges in Treatment 35:42 The Need for Collaborative Healthcare 37:04 The Importance of Education and Awareness Links for today's episode: 📖 Tongue Tied by Dr. Richard Baxter 🔗 Functional Dentistry Roadmap 📍 Find an airway-focused provider near you If you've ever been told to "just wait and see" when it comes to your child's sleep struggles, this episode will give you the knowledge and tools to take action. 

  In this eye-opening episode of Dentistry Disrupted, Dr. Clayton sits down with Dr. Ben Miraglia, an expert in airway-focused dentistry and orthodontics, to discuss: ✅ Why so many kids today have underdeveloped jaws and crowded teeth✅ The link between mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing✅ How airway issues can affect behavior, growth, and overall health✅ Early intervention strategies to support proper jaw and airway development✅ Innovative pre-orthodontic devices in combination with a collaborative care model If you’re a parent, dentist, or healthcare provider, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in now and discover how you can help your child breathe, sleep, and thrive. 00:00 Introduction to Airway Health and Early Treatment 01:32 The Journey into Orthodontics and Airway Medicine 06:26 Transformative Patient Experiences and Long-Term Success 08:51 The Connection Between Jaw Development and Health 14:54 Understanding Malocclusion and Underdeveloped Jaws 22:28 Causes of Underdeveloped Jaws in Modern Society 30:10 Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Solid Foods 33:42 The Impact of Industrialized Food on Child Development 33:54 Addressing Self-Soothing Habits in Children 35:42 Identifying Airway Issues in Children 41:10 Innovative Solutions for Healthy Jaw Development 48:17 The Importance of Nasal Breathing 🔍 Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Solid Starts Instagram Baby-Led Weaning Instagram Baby-Led Weaning Book If you are wondering if Toothpillow is right for your child, you can get a FREE video consult by a trained airway-dentist and $200 off the cost of Toothpillow treatment when you use my code, CLAYTON at checkout. Just visit toothpillow.com.

Did you know that Orthodontists were the first dental specialty? AND that their primary goal was to support airway health, not JUST to straighten teeth? In this episode of Dentistry Disrupted, Dr. Clayton talks about the critical, but often overlooked cause of airway issues in kids - jaw growth and development.  So if you’ve ever wondered why so many kids need braces or why inflamed tonsils are more than just an annoyance, this episode is for you!  Dr. Clayton shares real-life success stories, practical tips, and actionable advice to help parents address these issues early and effectively. Don't know where to start or what to do in supporting your child's airway journey? Check out Chapter 4 in the Functional Dentistry Roadmap, where I dive more into Myobrace, Toothpillow, and other options to help your child sleep and breathe better. 

In this mini episode, Dr. Clayton gets into the fascinating ways oral bacteria, specifically those linked to periodontal disease (or gum health), can influence chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer—one of the most devastating diseases that most of us have some sort of connection to. I will also introduce you to Aaron Hudson, co-owner of Kuna-based Hudson Bakery, Idaho’s first farm-to-table bakery, alongside his wife, Anna. They are known for their delicious sourdough, and commitment to sustainable, wholesome ingredients. The Hudsons have quickly become a cornerstone of the Treasure Valley community. Diagnosed with cancer in 2021, Aaron has continued to pour his heart into their bakery while battling this disease. This fall, his cancer returned, spreading to his kidney and back. Despite these challenges, Aaron works tirelessly driven by his passion for his business, family, and community.  Dr. Clayton has had the privilege of working closely with Aaron to support his oral health and overall wellness—giving him valuable tools in his fight against cancer. This episode shares Aaron’s inspiring story and highlights the critical connection between oral health and systemic diseases. Listen to the podcast for more of Aaron's story, and join us in supporting Aaron in his fight against cancer by donating to the Hudson's GoFundMe linked Here.  You can also go check out more about their bakery and story on their Instagram page here!  **DISCLAIMER: Restoration Dentistry has received permission from Aaron Hudson and his wife to share their story.