In this heartfelt episode of The Healthy Mouth Movement, I open up about why November holds such deep meaning for me — it’s a time for gratitude, reflection, and healing. From my lifelong love of fall colors and pumpkins to my personal journey as a cancer thriver, I share how the practice of gratitude has transformed my life and helped me move from survival mode into presence and peace. We’ll explore what it truly means to live in gratitude — not just list things we’re thankful for, but to feel it authentically, even in challenging times. I talk about how grounding, journaling, and self-awareness can shift our nervous system, why listening to our bodies matters more than we realize, and how embracing the simple moments can be the most healing practice of all. Thank you for spending time with me today and for being part of this journey. I’m so grateful to be here, to share this space with you, and to celebrate five years cancer-free. Remember — gratitude doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours. If this episode touched you, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Healthy Mouth Movement. Your support helps spread more smiles and healing energy to others. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

If getting your kids to brush and floss feels like a never-ending battle, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing a game-changing upgrade to your child’s oral care routine — the brand-new BURST Kids Water Flosser and clinically supported oral probiotics. These products aren’t gimmicks — they’re designed by real dental professionals (many of them moms!) to make oral hygiene easier, more effective, and even fun. You’ll hear why traditional string flossing doesn’t always work for little mouths, how water flossing can help your child build healthy habits, and how oral probiotics support both mouth and immune health. Plus, I’ll share why now — with Black Friday right around the corner — is the perfect time to grab these smile-boosting tools. Links & Resources 🦷 Shop BURST Oral Care: burstoralcare.com 💜 Use code HealthyMouth for exclusive discounts on BURST products 🎁 Look out for special Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals — they sell out fast! Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this heartfelt October episode, I open up about the powerful connection between oral health, overall wellness, and self-healing. As both National Dental Hygiene Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month come to a close, I reflect on my own five-year cancer-free journey and how it taught me that our bodies are not machines—they’re messengers. This isn’t just an episode about brushing, flossing, or routines—it’s about listening to your body, reclaiming your energy, and honoring the small, healing habits that build a healthy, joyful life. Whether you’re a mom balancing it all, a woman rebuilding after illness or burnout, or someone simply seeking more peace and purpose, this conversation is your reminder that your health, happiness, and healing start with you. If this episode made you smile, think, or breathe a little deeper, share it with a mom or friend who needs the reminder that she’s not alone. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show—it helps us spread this message of healing and hope even further. Until next time, breathe through your nose and share a smile—after all, they’re contagious. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode of The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I sit down with the inspiring Melissa Mugno, CEO of Faceology, who’s been in the dental field for over 20 years and has made it her mission to bring awareness to airway-focused dentistry. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey—from being a child who struggled with sleep, focus, and self-esteem, to becoming a leader and educator helping parents and professionals understand the critical link between breathing, sleep, and oral health. We dive into how her experiences shaped her purpose, the pivotal “lightbulb moment” that changed her career path, and the lessons she’s learned while helping families navigate the complexities of airway health. This episode is full of honesty, relatable stories, and empowering advice for parents who feel overwhelmed but want to make better choices for their children’s health and development. LINKS: AIR Course: https://melissa-mugno.mykajabi.com/air-certification-course Official website: https://www.melissamugno.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/melissa_the_mouth Faceolgy instagram : https://www.instagram.com/faceologymyo Mind your mouth: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XQlemCSrk22yUjDW5g6Ke?si=LegwPomNQTKGqj8swv02OA Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode of The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I sit down with nurse practitioner and functional medicine practitioner Andrea Rorabaugh—also known as Annie from Back to Our Roots—for a powerful conversation about getting back to the basics of true health. Andrea shares her personal journey from working in urgent care during the height of COVID to realizing that she wasn’t truly healing patients—only temporarily making them feel better. That realization led her to functional medicine, where she helps families uncover the why behind chronic illness. We dive deep into the connection between genetics, nutrition, and oral health, discussing topics like MTHFR, folate vs. folic acid, heavy metal toxicity, gut health, and how the body’s natural ability to heal starts with small foundational habits. Andrea and I talk about why our children are sicker than ever, what parents can do to support their kids’ bodies naturally, and how oral health and functional medicine beautifully overlap when it comes to true prevention. Links & Resources Andrea’s website: www.b2or.com Instagram: @b2or2024 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us spread the message that a healthy mouth means a healthy body. Until next time—breathe through your nose and share a smile. After all, they’re contagious. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

In this episode of The Healthy Mouth Movement, I sit down with Reed Davis, a double board-certified holistic health practitioner, certified nutritional therapist, and the visionary founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN). With more than 25 years in the field and over 5,000 practitioners trained worldwide, Reed shares how he pioneered an approach that helps people take charge of their own health through testing, education, and self-directed healing. We dive into Reed’s journey from environmental law to holistic health, how “metabolic chaos” disrupts the body’s systems, and the hidden connections between the mouth, hormones, digestion, and overall wellness. You’ll hear why testing instead of guessing is key, the importance of taking responsibility for your own health, and why true healing starts with understanding the body as a whole. Connect with the guest: Website - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FunctionalDiagnosticNutrition/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fdntraining/ You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7xDnEKCe9gKeWZ2vbE3C8w Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diego-natural-health-&-fitness-ctr/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/FDNtraining This conversation reminded me that wellness truly begins from the top down—what we believe, how we breathe, and what we put into our mouths all impact the rest of our body. Don’t guess when it comes to your health—test. When you understand what your body needs, you can make lasting changes that transform how you feel and function. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast. Your feedback helps others discover this show and take the first step toward healthier living—because wellness begins with a smile. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Have you ever asked your child five times to put on their shoes and they still don’t listen? Before you assume defiance, pause. In this episode of the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I dive into the powerful connection between regulation and cooperation—and why your child may not be ignoring you at all. We’ll explore what’s really happening in your child’s body when they seem “defiant,” the role of the vagus nerve as the body’s hidden calm switch, and how the mouth and nervous system are more connected than most providers realize. Plus, I’ll share simple tools and calming exercises you can use at home to help your child move from survival mode back into safety mode, opening the door for true cooperation. Remember—regulation comes before cooperation. The next time your child won’t listen, try pausing, breathing, and supporting their nervous system first. If this episode made you smile, think, or feel inspired, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Have you ever wondered why your child just can’t seem to sit still, focus, or follow directions—no matter how hard they try? In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on when kids struggle with restlessness, hyperactivity, or behavior that often gets dismissed as “just a phase.” Spoiler alert—it’s not about being defiant. Instead, it may be your child’s body signaling something deeper, especially when it comes to breathing and sleep. I’ll share my own journey as both a mom and a provider, uncovering the surprising connection between airway health, oxygen, and behavior. From bedwetting and restless nights to emotional meltdowns and focus issues, I’ll explain how these seemingly separate challenges often tie back to sleep and breathing. And most importantly, I’ll give you practical steps and questions you can ask to start connecting the dots for your own child. Remember, when your child can’t sit still, it’s not always about behavior—it could be about breathing. You have the power to be the detective who connects the dots. If this episode opened your eyes or reminded you to trust your instincts, please share it with another mom or caregiver who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps us reach and support more families just like yours. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Have you ever walked out of a pediatrician’s office or a parent-teacher conference feeling unheard, dismissed, or even a little ashamed for asking questions? You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong for noticing the things you notice about your child. In this episode of The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I share practical ways to advocate for your child calmly and confidently, even when you feel brushed off by professionals. We’ll talk about why providers and teachers sometimes miss the clues you’re seeing, how to prepare before your next appointment or meeting, and the exact phrases you can use to keep the conversation clear, respectful, and productive. You’ll walk away with tools to help you feel grounded, heard, and empowered as your child’s strongest advocate. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Birth to five is the most important stage of a child’s life—yet it’s often overlooked in healthcare and education. In this episode of the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I sit down with Ashante Jackson, Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois, to explore how this statewide initiative is closing gaps in care, building stronger communities, and making sure every child has access to the resources they need. We dive into how Birth to Five Illinois is driven by community voices, why access and awareness are critical for families, and the innovative steps being taken across Illinois to address early childhood needs holistically. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community advocate, this conversation will open your eyes to the importance of early intervention and remind you that you’re not alone on this journey. Timeline Summary [2:12] – Introducing Birth to Five Illinois and why the early years matter so much [6:45] – How regional offices are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community [12:30] – The importance of access and awareness for families navigating services [18:55] – Tackling behavior and expulsion challenges through social-emotional learning [25:40] – Why community voice is at the heart of every decision Birth to Five Illinois makes [33:10] – Addressing healthcare gaps, food deserts, and housing instability in Illinois [45:22] – How families and stakeholders can get involved through councils and storytelling Links & Resources Birth to Five Illinois: www.birthto5il.com Early Childhood Resource Hub (housed at Oak Lawn Children’s Museum): Oak Lawn Children’s Museum Resource Hub Connect with Ashante Jackson: ajackson@birthto5il.com If this episode inspired you or gave you new insights, please share it with a friend who could benefit. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast so we can continue spreading knowledge and resources to families everywhere. And remember—trust your instincts, advocate for your child, and know you’re never alone. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

September feels like a second New Year—new routines, new beginnings, and often, new stress. In this episode, we go beyond backpacks and lunchboxes to explore what kids really need as they head back to school: structure, sleep, breathing, and even chewing. Yes, chewing! Discover why this overlooked habit is a powerful developmental tool that impacts focus, behavior, sleep, and emotional regulation. You’ll hear a powerful story of a 6-year-old whose focus, speech, and sleep improved dramatically—just from introducing more chewing and tongue exercises into her routine. We’ll also cover four practical shifts families can make right now to ease the transition into the school year and set kids up for long-term success. Links & Resources Book a free 15-minute call with me → https://shereewertz.com/15-min Learn more about The Shift Method & Founding Membership (lifetime access for $197, use code lifetime) → https://shereewertz.com/academy

Today’s episode is a very personal one—a tribute to my dad on his birthday and a wake-up call for every parent navigating today’s system. My dad’s story is powerful, heartbreaking, and filled with lessons we all need to hear. Through his life and his passing, I’ve come to see how often real symptoms are dismissed, families are brushed off, and opportunities for healing are missed. In this conversation, I share my dad’s journey, what it taught me about listening deeper, and why it’s so important to trust our instincts as parents. We’ll also talk about how our thoughts shape our reality, the way old programming holds us back, and how we can rewire our minds—and our children’s—for a better future. This isn’t just my dad’s story; it’s a message for every parent, every child, and every family who’s ever felt unseen. Links & Resources Book a free 15-minute call with me → https://shereewertz.com/15-min Learn more about The Shift Method & Founding Membership (lifetime access for $197, use code lifetime) → https://shereewertz.com/academy

Have you ever noticed little signs that something might be off with your child—snoring, grinding, meltdowns, bedwetting, food struggles, or emotional overwhelm—and wondered, what do I do next? In this episode, I’m diving deeper into how to respond when you spot these red flags, without rushing to quick fixes or diagnoses. Instead, I’ll show you how to tune in, track what’s happening, and begin making small, intentional shifts that can transform your child’s health and well-being. We’ll talk about why tracking patterns matters, how simple habits like nasal breathing, food swaps, and bedtime routines can create huge changes, and how to see behaviors not as “problems” but as signals from your child’s body and nervous system. If you’ve ever felt brushed off or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for moving forward. I’ve created The Shift Method—a complete roadmap designed to help you understand red flags at every stage of your child’s development (from birth through early childhood). Right now, I’m offering Founding Member Lifetime Access for just $197. Use the code LIFETIME at checkout to lock in this one-time price -- https://shereewertz.com/academy If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another parent who might need to hear it. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and leave a review so we can continue spreading awareness and support. And as always—breathe through your nose and share a smile. Dental Hygiene 411 – Join our community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dh411

After last week’s episode, I heard from so many of you with the same question: “Okay… but what can I actually do at home?” In this episode, I’m diving deep into the practical, everyday steps you can take to help your child regulate their body, protect their energy, and build a strong biological foundation for lifelong health—starting right in your own home. We’ll talk about why true change begins with you, how your breathing and daily habits set the tone for your child, and how simple, consistent actions can prevent bigger issues later on. I share my personal journey—missteps, breakthroughs, and all—plus the tools and mindset shifts that can make a world of difference for both you and your child. Timeline Highlights [2:14] – Why real change doesn’t start in a clinic—it starts at home. [7:02] – Understanding deregulation and how your child’s behavior is actually biofeedback. [14:38] – The role of breathing, hydration, and sleep in emotional and physical regulation. [20:55] – My own parenting lessons from years of meltdowns, sleep deprivation, and sensory issues. [27:18] – How toxins affect nutrient absorption and what testing can reveal. [34:40] – Shifting from fear and force to presence and permission in parenting. [42:12] – The importance of oral function, myofunctional therapy, and early intervention. Links & Resources Founders Lifetime Access Course – Use code lifetime for the first 50 families at $197. Dental Hygiene 411 – Join our community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dh411 Learn more about the SHIFT Method Program: https://www.facebook.com/dh411 Mentioned experts: Dr. Kelly Shockley – Chiropractor & “Doctor of Cause” Melissa Dealy – Guided health journey & toxin education If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and follow the podcast. Share it with another parent who’s ready to make positive changes at home—because regulated moms raise resilient kids. And remember… breathe through your nose and share a smile.

Have you ever felt like your child has been labeled without anyone truly understanding what’s going on underneath the surface? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what happens when schools overlook critical biological factors that affect our children’s behavior, mood, and learning. From sleep deprivation to nervous system deregulation, I share stories of misunderstood kids—and what we can do differently. I invite you to pause before jumping into another evaluation or diagnosis. What if your child doesn’t need a new label, but more support? You’ll learn how the body’s signals often get dismissed, how airway and sleep issues play a massive role, and how we as parents can advocate for lasting change by shifting our lens and trusting our instincts. Timeline Summary [1:15] – Shifting the narrative from behavior to biology: Why your child might not need another diagnosis [3:45] – A real-life case of a misjudged child and how tongue restriction and sleep deprivation played a hidden role [7:50] – The harm of mislabeling kids and how private schools often avoid accountability [10:35] – What schools miss when they don’t understand nervous system regulation [13:22] – Signs your child’s body may be in distress: what to observe beyond behavior [18:10] – Simple regulation tools for parents: nasal breathing, hydration, protein intake, and movement [21:05] – You are your child’s chief regulating officer: modeling and co-regulation [24:00] – Why labels don’t help the nervous system—but inputs do [27:15] – The importance of advocating early and shifting the system through awareness Links & Resources Learn more about the SHIFT Method Program: https://www.facebook.com/dh411 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dh411 If this episode gave you a new perspective, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s shift the lens together and make sure our kids are seen, understood, and supported—not just labeled. Until next time, remember to breathe through your nose and share a smile. They're contagious.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into something that can change the game for your child's health—and yours too—the OWNER Code. This simple yet powerful five-part framework can help prevent unnecessary labels and provide the regulation support your child’s body desperately needs. If your child struggles with anxiety, sleep issues, meltdowns, or sensory overload, it might not be dysfunction—it might be a missing piece in their foundation. We’ll explore how oxygen, water, nutrition, enough sleep, and respecting the one body we get all play a crucial role in a child’s well-being. You’ll learn how everyday choices affect your child’s nervous system, why nasal breathing can transform behavior, how water quality impacts more than hydration, and why processed foods may be causing more issues than we realize. Most importantly, we talk about trusting your instincts and empowering your children to listen to their own bodies. Links & Resources Learn more about the SHIFT Method Program: https://www.facebook.com/dh411 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dh411 Let’s keep changing lives together. If this episode made you think, feel, or smile, please share it with a friend who needs it. Rate, review, and follow the podcast—every bit of love helps us grow and empower more families. And don’t forget: breathe through your nose and share a smile. They’re contagious!

Have you ever been told to “wait and see” or that you were just overthinking something about your child? In this deeply personal episode, I share why those gut feelings we have as moms are often spot-on—and why trusting them can make all the difference. I open up about my own experiences with being dismissed, even by professionals close to me, and how I finally learned to lead with intuition, not hesitation. We explore why our instincts matter more than we think, especially when it comes to breathing, sleep, nutrition, and behavior in our kids. You’ll learn how small signs—often overlooked—can be early indicators of deeper issues, and how you, as a parent, have the power to create change before crisis strikes. Let this episode empower you to trust yourself and be the advocate your child needs. Links & Resources: Join the Shift Circle: Shift Circle Membership -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Learn more about the Shift Method and early intervention -- https://www.dentalhygiene411.com If this episode made you feel seen, sparked a new thought, or helped you trust yourself a little more, please share it with a fellow parent who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes and tag us while you listen—your support helps us reach and empower more families. Until next time, breathe through your nose and share a smile—after all, they’re contagious.

Think your child’s mouth is just for brushing and eating? Think again! In this eye-opening episode, we uncover how your child’s mouth is secretly linked to their sleep, behavior, mood, and even learning. You’ll learn: -Why mouth breathing is more than just a bad habit -Sneaky signs that your child’s nervous system might be stressed -How tongue posture and chewing impact development -Simple, powerful things you can do right now to support your child -Why “wait and see” might be the worst advice you’ve been given Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy

Think your child’s behavior is the problem? Think again. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on under the surface—and why your child’s meltdowns, hyperactivity, or big emotions might be signs of a dysregulated nervous system, not bad behavior. You’ll learn: -Why behavior is actually a form of communication -How to spot signs of nervous system dysregulation -What sleep, breathing, hydration, and nutrition have to do with it -Simple ways to help your child (and yourself) feel more calm and in control Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min

Is your child lazy… or just exhausted? In this episode, we bust open the myths around “lazy” or “hyperactive” kids and shine a light on what’s really going on: nervous system stress, poor sleep, and mouth breathing. If your child is zoning out, bouncing off the walls, or constantly cranky — this is for you. Here’s what we unpack: -Why labels like “lazy” or “disruptive” often miss the mark -The top 3 hidden energy drainers in kids (hint: it starts with sleep!) -How breathing, posture, and nutrition are all connected -What bedtime signs to look for (and what they might really mean) -Simple ways to start supporting your child’s nervous system today Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min