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Sleep is essential for us all and a cornerstone of childhood development. But what happens when your child isn’t sleeping as soundly as they should? And I’m not talking about nightmares or wetting the bed. I’m talking about snoring, mouth breathing, or restless nights. You might just think these are just quirks of growing up, but they could actually be signs of a bigger issue: sleep-disordered breathing. And it’s something way more common than you would think.
Today on Chick Chat, I’m joined by a true expert in pediatric airway health, Dr. Kalli Hale, to uncover what parents need to know about this often-overlooked condition and why early intervention is so critical.
Who is Dr. Kalli Hale?
Dr. Kalli Hale is on a mission to change how we think about sleep and oral health. With specialized training in obstructive sleep apnea, she now serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for The Airway Dentists and a Clinical Advocate for VIVOS Therapeutics, where she helps develop innovative clinical protocols for treating sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults.
Dr. Kalli is also a faculty member of the Dental Success Network and a national speaker on pediatric airway health. She emphasizes the importance of early orthodontic intervention, airway assessments, and lip and tongue tie screenings. You can feel her passion in this episode, and she’s here to help parents take proactive steps to support their child’s lifelong wellness.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, Dr. Kalli and I cover:
- What sleep-disordered breathing is and why it’s a growing concern
- Common but misunderstood symptoms: snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep
- How poor sleep affects energy, behavior, focus, and emotional regulation
- What “Phase 1” orthodontics is and how it differs from traditional braces
- Why mouth development, lip ties, and tongue ties matter (even from birth!)
- What questions parents should ask if they suspect an airway issue
- Simple at-home strategies to support healthy breathing
- Why kids don’t just “grow out of it” and what to do instead
- The one thing she wants every parent to know about sleep and health
Whether you’re a parent of a toddler or school-aged child, this conversation will open your eyes to the invisible struggles some kids face. It explains how you can help your child thrive with the right information and support.
Final Thoughts
Sleep-disordered breathing is often hiding in plain sight. As Dr. Kalli so powerfully shared, a child who isn’t sleeping well often isn’t growing, learning, or feeling well either. The good news? There are tools, treatments, and screenings that can make a world of difference, especially when done early.
If your child snores, tosses and turns, struggles with energy or attention, or has been labeled as having “behavioral issues,” don’t ignore your gut instinct. Advocate for a full evaluation of their airway and development. This episode reminds us that we don’t just have to accept sleep challenges as “normal.” We can ask questions, get answers, and make empowered choices to support our children’s health. Cheers to breathing easy!
Dr. Kalli’s Resources
We hope you found this episode helpful. If you did and enjoyed it, please subscribe to our podcast, Chick Chat, and leave us an honest review. Links below!