Whew, just barely making my September newsletter into your inbox in the final part of the month. It's been a busy end of summer! I went on a trip to visit London for the first time while my husband was there teaching Tai Chi.

Almost every parent I spoke to this month has admitted to feeling overwhelmed during back-to-school time anyway, so perhaps this late arrival into your inbox has given you the time to make it through that transition and land back on your feet. I hope you can now enjoy these insights I stored up for you!

Recent Read: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids

In airway dentistry, I'm constantly exploring how today's environment affects children’s health. One key issue is the shift to softer, nutrient-poor processed foods, which impacts facial development (lack of chewing mechanics, changed nutrition absorption, etc). I’ve recently dug deeper into how our modern world is driving "Microbiome Mischief" with insights from Dr. Elisa Song’s Healthy Kids, Happy Kids.

A big takeaway? The overuse of antibiotics, often given "just in case," especially for conditions like ear infections, may be causing more harm than good. Song highlights the increased risk of various health issues from antibiotic use in early childhood, often for conditions linked to muscle dysfunction, poor swallowing, greater immune vulnerability, and viral exposure—not only bacterial infections. My conclusion is that working with a myofunctional therapist might be an excellent way to reduce the risk of recurrent ear infections and minimize risking another round of antibiotics while we're at it. (The same line of thinking is repeated as to the use of reflux medications in babies - there may just be better, non-medicinal ways to arrive at the root cause.)

Another intriguing connection is between sleep problems and gut health. While it was once believed that gut issues caused sleep disturbances, newer research suggests it may go both ways—sleep quality could be setting the stage for future gut health. Poor muscle function and underdeveloped skeletal growth are often key contributors to poor sleep. A comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of sleep issues! The gut-brain connection also gets its due. Key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin are produced by gut microbiota, meaning our processed, artificial diets are likely contributing to the rise in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more.

Dr. Song’s book offers natural remedies and tips for parents, like herbal solutions and homeopathy, to try as early interventions. I also love that she encourages early testing for key nutrients like zinc, magnesium, Vitamin D, iron and Omega-3's. One of my favorite new pieces of information from this book: Saffron (30 mg daily) might work as well as Ritalin for ADHD—without the side effects! (Though saffron is pricey!) All this to say, her book is at the top of my recommendations for parents who want to better understand and improve their family's gut health.

Pause the Pills: Lifetime Prescriptions in the UK

In line with some of the "overprescribed" arguments made above, I created my most recent Instagram post inspired by a thought-provoking art piece on display at the British Museum. Check it out, and let me know how it makes you feel!

Fluoride: In the water and the news

Did you hear any commotion lately regarding the latest on water fluoridation? A California judge has ordered the EPA to revisit all the research on both sides taking a closer look at the reported risks and reported safety of water fluoridation. A lot has changed since 1945 when this public health practice first began in the US. Dr. Mark Burhenne speaks to this court ruling on his Ask the Dentist podcast. If your child is developing cavities, and you're only being told to brush more or increase fluoride, there may be other factors at play. These other considerations often fall into my area of expertise: things like mouth breathing, or a lip-tie/tongue-tie. Please reach out if this raises questions for you.

My FREE Webinar and FREEBIE Screening Tool

Breathing, Muscles, and Bone Growth, Oh My!

This is the title of my upcoming free webinar I'll be offering twice in October. We'll be diving into three of the most commonly overlooked drivers behind many medical symptoms. After you sign up, you'll be sent a copy of my Red Flag Checklist - a quick screening tool to run you through some of the most common signs and symptoms of an airway health problem. It's also the first place where I'll be describing how my new Smile Support program can help you. Check out the Google form sign-up and select a date that works best for you. I hope you can make it!

As always, I'm so grateful to you for being here. I'm looking forward to bringing more helpful knowledge your way next month!

Be well!

Dr. Julia