Early airway health can shape your child's long-term development more than you think. In this episode, myofunctional therapist and dental hygienist Caity Hart joins me to break down what parents need to know about expanders, guided growth appliances and how the mouth and airway are connected. We explore how structural oral issues like crowded teeth, mouth breathing and tongue posture can influence sleep, behavior and even facial development.

Caity explains the difference between fixed and removable expanders, how to know if your child is a candidate and the importance of early assessment. We also talk about what to expect during treatment, how bodywork supports the process and why nasal breathing is a key to lifelong health.

This conversation is packed with empowering insights for parents who want to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to their child's oral and airway development. Whether you're concerned about snoring, teeth grinding or just want to get ahead of orthodontic issues, this episode will guide you with clarity, confidence and compassion.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• Myofunctional therapy and oral development

• Signs your child may need an expander

• Skeletal expansion and nasal breathing

• Early airway assessment for children

• How to choose the right dental appliance

Show Notes:

• Follow Caity @mindfulmyo/ on Instagram

• Visit Mindful Myo

• Read Management of the Developing Dentition and Occlusion in Pediatric Dentistry article

• Read The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Pediatric Dentistry article

• 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!

• 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.

• Listen to today's episode on our website

Caitlyn earned her degree in Dental Hygiene in 2016 from West Los Angeles College after almost a decade in the dental field as a dental assistant in Southern California. In 2020, Caitlyn and her family moved to the Treasure Valley in the beautiful state of Idaho. She has years of experience working in Conventional, Integrative and Airway focused dentistry. Caitlyn is passionate about early identification of craniofacial growth and jaw development deficiencies in children. These negative growth patterns can have profound effects on sleep, breathing and the TMJ into adulthood.

Caitlyn believes that Myofunctional therapy is one of the most underutilized treatment modalities in dentistry. Her goal as a therapist is to bridge the gap between oral and systemic health with a focus on nasal breathing, tongue posture, correct swallow and lip seal. She is passionate about encouraging proper craniofacial growth in children and supporting breathing and sleep optimization in all ages.

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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.