What if everything we were taught about pediatric airway health was wrong?

In Episode 10 of The Pediatric Breathing Project, Dr. Piya Gandhi is joined by fellow pediatric dentist, educator, entrepreneur, and author Dr. Kalli Hale for a thoughtful conversation about how pediatric airway dentistry has evolved, why so many children still go undiagnosed, and how curiosity, collaboration, and continued learning are changing the future of healthcare.

Dr. Kalli shares her journey into airway-focused dentistry, the misconceptions many providers were taught about pediatric snoring and teeth grinding, and why identifying airway issues early can have a lifelong impact on a child's health. The conversation also takes an honest turn into the realities of building an airway-focused practice, navigating burnout, and finding sustainable ways to lead, teach, and care for patients without sacrificing your own well-being.

In this episode:

• How Dr. Kalli's journey into airway dentistry began
• The early signs of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing
• Why mouth breathing should never be ignored
• The connection between bruxism, enlarged tonsils, tongue ties, and airway health
• Why collaborative care leads to better patient outcomes
• Common misconceptions parents and providers still hear today
• Burnout, boundaries, and leadership as female healthcare professionals
• Practical advice for parents looking for answers
• Guidance for providers interested in incorporating airway-focused care into their practices

Resources

Dr. Piya Gandhi

Website:
https://drpiyagandhi.com/

Free Airway Checklist & Resources:
https://drpiyagandhi.com/

Find an Airway Provider Near You:
https://drpiyagandhi.com/website_4530a186/#directory

Dr. Kalli Hale

Website:
https://theairwaydentists.com/our-doctors/kalli-hale/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theairwaycentereddentist/

Order The Dental Burnout Solution:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H38F2CMP

If this conversation helped you think differently about pediatric airway health, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow parent or healthcare professional. Every conversation helps bring greater awareness to the importance of healthy breathing, healthy sleep, and healthy development.

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The Pediatric Breathing Project with Dr. Piya Gandhi explores how airway health, jaw development, and sleep impact childhood wellness. Parents and practitioners will learn to spot early signs of sleep-disordered breathing and discover practical solutions for healthier futures.

If you’re a parent, dentist, pediatrician, or healthcare professional passionate about giving children the best start in life, this podcast is your guide to better breathing, better sleep, and better development.

Piya Trehan Gandhi, DDS

BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST, AIRWAY AND TONGUE TIE RELEASE SPECIALIST

Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website

Resources from Dr. Piya Gandhi:

• Free Airway Checklist + Provider Resources: https://drpiyagandhi.com/
• Find an Airway Provider Near You: https://drpiyagandhi.com/website_4530a186/#directory