In this episode, Carly Brown sits down with pediatric biological dentist Dr. Sarah Carpenter, owner of Homegrown Pediatric Dentistry in Spicewood, Texas, to explore what most parents are never taught about children’s oral health.
This conversation goes far beyond cavities.
Dr. Sarah shares how airway development, mouth breathing, tongue and lip ties, feeding practices, and jaw development are deeply connected to a child’s sleep, behavior, focus, and long-term health. Together, Carly and Dr. Sarah unpack why prevention focused pediatric dentistry matters, what parents can look for at home, and how early intervention can help support healthier outcomes as children grow.
From nutrition and the oral microbiome to tongue posture and myofunctional therapy, this episode offers parents a whole new lens for understanding their child’s health starting with the mouth.
This episode dives into:
- What makes biological pediatric dentistry different from conventional dentistry
- Why airway health may matter even more than cavities
- Signs of airway restriction parents can look for, including mouth breathing, grinding, dark circles, and restless sleep
- How mouth breathing can impact sleep quality, focus, mood, and long-term wellbeing
- The role of tongue posture and jaw development in creating space for teeth and improving the airway
- How feeding practices such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and baby-led weaning influence jaw and facial development
- Pacifiers, thumb sucking, and why timing matters for palate shape
- Hydroxyapatite as a fluoride alternative and other safer material swaps in pediatric dentistry
- What myofunctional therapy is and when it can be helpful
- When palate expansion is considered and the different options available
- Tongue and lip ties, including when revision is helpful and when it may be unnecessary
- Why common issues like grinding are not always normal
If you are a parent who wants to be proactive rather than reactive about your child’s health, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to ask better questions.
Resources:
Other esources mentioned in this episode
- Hydroxyapatite toothpaste as a fluoride alternative for remineralization
- Myofunctional therapy to support tongue posture and nasal breathing
- Baby led weaning to encourage chewing and jaw development
- Oral microbiome support through diet and preventive care
Follow Carly Brown on Instagram: @carlyloveskale
About the guest:
Dr. Sarah Carpenter is a pediatric biological dentist and the owner of Homegrown Pediatric Dentistry in Spicewood, Texas. She has advanced training in airway focused pediatric dentistry, myofunctional therapy, and tongue and lip tie assessment. Her approach emphasizes prevention, education, and whole body health, recognizing the connection between oral health, sleep, breathing, growth, and overall wellbeing. As a mother of three, Dr. Sarah brings both professional expertise and personal insight into helping families support their children’s long term health from an early age.
