Is dental health genetic, or can I help prevent issues? Can I pass cavity-causing bacteria to my child? When should my child stop using a pacifier or bottle? Does mouth breathing affect dental health?

This week, I welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to answer all these dental questions and more. Throughout our discussion she encourages a balanced, judgement-free approach focusing on progress over perfection.

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Dr. Ashley Lerman follow her on Instagram @pediatric.dentist.mom and check out all her resources on https://yourfirstgrin.com/.

Ask Doctor Mona: Toddler Tooth-brushing Battles

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00:00 Introduction & The Hidden Culprits of Cavities

02:03 Meet Dr. Ashley Lerman: A Passion for Pediatric Dentistry

04:00 The Role of Genetics in Oral Health

06:29 Can Cavities Be Contagious? Parent-Child Transmission

09:36 Diet, Nutrition, and Their Effect on Teeth

10:57 Thumb Sucking, Pacifiers, and Bottle Use

14:45 Mouth Breathing: Myths, Facts, and Health Concerns

22:01 The Importance of Early Dental Hygiene Habits

25:44 Fluoride & Other Key Takeaways for Parents

27:49 Closing Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

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Cold and flu season can be especially tough on parents, with sleepless nights, restless children, and the constant challenge of managing symptoms like congestion and cough. A humidifier, paired with soothing steam, can be a game-changer in making those difficult nights more manageable.

This week, I welcome Stacey Ishman, a pediatric otolaryngologist, to discuss the benefits of humidification and Vicks products like VapoSteam and humidifiers for improving sleep, especially during cold and allergy seasons. 

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Vicks on Instagram @vicks_usa and check out their products VapoSteam Core, VapoSteam Lavender, and Cool Relief Humidifier.

00:00:00 Introduction & Importance of Sleep During Colds 

00:01:10 The Science Behind Vicks Vapor Steam

00:02:29 Meet Dr. Stacy Ashman: Pediatric Sleep Expert 

00:06:40 Why Coughs Get Worse at Night 

00:08:11 Is Vapor Steam Safe for All Kids? 

00:14:03 How to Incorporate Vapor Steam into a Bedtime Routine 

00:18:55 The Role of Humidification in Cold & Allergy Season 

00:21:32 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

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Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk TV.

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Talking to kids about the news requires honesty while maintaining a sense of security. Open conversations help build trust, allowing kids to ask questions and process difficult topics in a supportive environment. 

This week, I welcome Rebecca Jarvis, contributing anchor at Good Morning America, to discuss how parents can provide age-appropriate explanations for real-world concerns while ensuring their kids feel safe.

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Rebecca Jarvis follow her on Instagram @rebeccajarvis and watch her on Good Morning America on ABC.

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Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

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Unresolved childhood wounds can influence your reactions and relationships with your children. By breaking generational cycles and cultivating self-awareness, parents can create more empathetic, connected and supportive environments for their families.

This week, I welcome back Bryana Kappadakunnel, author of the book Parent Yourself First, to discuss how to combine self-compassion, accountability and intentional parenting to nurture both the child within and the child in front of you.

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Bryana Kappadakunnel follow her on Instagram @consciousmommy, check out all her resources at https://www.consciousmommy.com/, and purchase her book Parent Yourself First.

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Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

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My daughter struggled with diaper rash after diaper rash until I switched her to Coterie diapers. Diapers are on our babies’ sensitive skin 24/7 and finding a product that is high-quality, clean and safe will ensure their skin health.

This week, I welcome Jess Jacobs, the CEO of Coterie, to discuss a healthy skin care routine for your baby and how Coterie’s innovative brand challenges industry norms by consistently exceeding expectations in product safety and performance. 

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Coterie on Instagram follow them at @coterie and check out their products at https://www.coterie.com/ 

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk TV.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.

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There has been a growing shift of young male voters towards right-wing politics, driven by feelings of alienation from progressive narratives that often overlook and dismiss their struggles. The right has capitalized on this by promoting hyper-masculine ideals that resonate with this demographic.

This week, I welcome back Ruth Whippman, author of the book Boy Mom, to discuss how to foster emotional connections, have open dialogue and reimagine boyhood to help boys develop healthier and more inclusive identities.

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman, check out all her resources at http://www.ruthwhippman.com/, join her Substack: I Blame Society and purchase her book Boy Mom.

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. 

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Balancing family life with personal ambitions is no small feat, especially when career pauses are part of the journey. Redefining success and embracing your evolving identity can be powerful steps toward personal growth—even during time away from paid work.

This week, I welcome Neha Ruch, the founder of Mother Untitled, the leading platform for ambitious women leaning into family life, to discuss the challenges and rewards of navigating career pauses.

She joins me to discuss:

To connect with Neha Ruch follow her on Instagram @motheruntitled, check out all her resources at https://www.motheruntitled.com/ and purchase her book new book: The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids--and Come Back Stronger Than Ever

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

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I believe resilience is about teaching children to handle challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks while respecting their emotions. We can model resilience by demonstrating healthy coping skills, fostering a growth mindset, and helping children develop emotional awareness and problem-solving abilities. By supporting them through difficulties and validating their feelings, we empower children to face life's challenges with confidence!

I discuss: 

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As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, I’m reflecting on some of my favorite guest appearances on other shows. New episodes will be back on January 8th! This past June, I had the pleasure of joining Danielle and Whitney on The Sakara Life Podcast, where we delved into pediatric nourishment and explored ways to help our children become mindful eaters.

During the episode, we discussed:

Use code PEDSDOCTALK for 20% off the Signature Nutrition Program from Sakara

Check out the Sakara Life Podcast featuring “curated conversations that dig deep into the ancient rituals and modern research we can all use to build lives we love living”.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. 

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As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, I’m reflecting on some of my favorite guest appearances on other shows. New episodes will return on January 8th! This past March, I had the pleasure of joining Dr. Shelby Harris on the Sleep Talking with Dr. Shelby podcast, where we explored why the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” isn’t always realistic.

During our conversation, we discussed:

Check out Sleep Talking with Dr. Shelby where “Dr. Shelby Harris, talks with experts and real people about the sleep challenges keeping them awake – and solutions that will help them get the rest they deserve”.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices