24. How Parents Are Driving the Airway Health Revolution with Dr. Shereen Lim
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:
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The alarming number of children being missed and dismissed by providers
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Dr. Lim’s personal story of helping her own daughters—and what she wishes she knew sooner
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Why airway issues like mouth breathing, sleep disruption, and bedwetting aren’t just “normal”
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How her book Breathe, Sleep, Thrive gives parents a framework to understand and act
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The pushback she faced early on—and why the momentum is finally shifting
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How parents are the key to driving change in pediatric airway health
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Where to go and who to trust when you’re looking for answers
Resources Mentioned:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Airway Health and Dental Sleep Medicine
02:30 The Journey into Airway Medicine
05:14 Early Intervention in Orthodontics
07:45 Personal Experiences with Children's Airway Health
10:22 The Impact of Early Treatment
12:55 Understanding Airway Issues in Patients
15:39 Inspiration Behind 'Breathe, Sleep, Thrive'
18:23 Communicating Complex Ideas Simply
21:43 Understanding the Gaps in Healthcare
23:51 The Shift Towards Holistic Health
27:12 The Role of Parents in Healthcare Advocacy
32:12 Transformative Patient Stories
35:48 Empowering Parents with Knowledge
41:12 The Importance of Collaborative Care