Healthy Mind, Healthy Life

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Sayan, we explore a surprisingly overlooked root of kids’ sleep, focus, and emotional regulation: how they breathe. Dr. Leslie Pasco breaks down why mouth breathing isn’t just a “habit,” but a body-wide stress signal that can quietly shape development.

This conversation is for parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting children who snore, mouth-breathe, wake tired, or struggle with attention and behavior. You’ll walk away with clear early warning signs, what to look for from infancy onward, and how early intervention can support healthier jaw growth, stronger airways, and calmer nervous systems.

About the Guest:

Dr. Leslie Pasco is a dentist of nearly 30 years and the founder of MyOway Centers for Kids. She shifted from traditional dentistry to early intervention work focused on jaw growth, airway development, and breathing techniques to help children breathe and sleep better.

Episode Chapter:

• 00:08:03 — Why “dysfunctional breathing” in kids often goes unnoticed

• 00:09:14 — Dr. Pasco’s turning point: from dentistry to airway-first care

• 00:12:04 — What mouth breathing actually means and why it becomes a cycle

• 00:13:48 — Mouth breathing as a danger signal: fight-or-flight in daily life

• 00:16:12 — How widespread is this, and what signs parents can spot early

• 00:17:20 — Brain development, memory, and performance: what changes with breathing

• 00:20:05 — What parents can do: screening, tongue ties, early orthopedic guidance, Buteyko

Key Takeaways:

• Watch for signs like mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting past certain ages, and chronic congestion.

• Mouth breathing can keep a child’s nervous system in survival mode, impacting digestion, focus, and behavior.

• Early screening matters—especially for tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip ties) linked to feeding struggles.

• Around age 3, gentle orthopedic appliances and daily “mini-gym” exercises can guide jaw and airway growth.

• Buteyko-style breathing (light nasal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, CO₂ tolerance work) can support calm and focus.

• Trust your “parent gut” and keep searching if you’re not getting clear answers.

How to Connect With the Guest:

Website: MyoAwaycenters.com
Facebook
Instagram

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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