05/09/2025
My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in the 4th grade—and no one looked at her airway. Not even me…
Because we didn’t learn this in dental school.
It wasn’t until she was in her early 20s that I stumbled into the world of dental sleep medicine—and everything changed. I found the AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine), and I realized how many kids are being misdiagnosed… or, worse, medicated for symptoms that could be rooted in something as simple—and profound—as not getting breathing properly while they sleep.
To be clear:
We love and fully embrace her neurodivergence. It’s her superpower.
But I still wish I had known then what I know now—because I would have treated her differently.
I would have taken her to a different kind of orthodontist.
Not one who pulls teeth to make a smile look straight.
But one who protects and expands the airway—the kind of provider my grandson sees today. The kind of provider you’ll find on
Because here’s the truth:
✨ Some kids don’t need medication.
✨ They need more oxygen.
✨ They need their jaws to grow forward—not be restricted.
✨ They need sleep that actually restores their brains.
We cannot keep medicating symptoms while ignoring root causes.
Airway issues can mimic ADHD. And medicating without screening for them is not just outdated—it’s malpractice.
Airway first. Always.
Questions? Leave em below👇
-Dr. B
