Whole-Body Smiles: Holistic AIRWAY Dentist Answers Your Questions with Dr Kati Hetrick
#12 Whole-Body Smiles: Holistic Airway Dentist Answers Your Questions
with Dr Kati Hetrick, DDS
Join us while we sit down with Dr Kati Hetrick, a holistic & airway dentist, at Raleigh Dental Arts and founder of Grassroots Dental Wellness in Raleigh, NC. In this conversation, Dr Kati discusses the importance of holistic dentistry and airway health, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall well-being. She shares insights on the differences between traditional and holistic dentistry, the significance of early intervention in children's dental care, the impact of mouth breathing on health and so much more! Plus, she shares practical, easy-to-follow tips parents can use to support their children’s (and their own) oral health from the very start.
This episode will change the way you think about dentistry; it’s not just about teeth, it’s about the whole body!
*This is a Q&A style podcast, for easy reference!
Chapters
[00:51] Dr Kati’s background and how her interest in sustainability and the holistic space began
[02:09] What are the differences between a traditional dentist and a holistic airway dentist?
[03:14] When should parents bring their children in for their first dentist visit?
[03:57] What is Grassroots Dental Wellness?
[06:12] How is oral health connected to the whole-body well-being?
[07:15] Discussing how to incorporate whole-body healing into dental treatments
[07:59] Do holistic dentists collaborate with other specialists?
[08:26] How can airway issues impact sleep, energy levels or mood?
[08:57] Discussing how ancestral diet can positively affect the jaw and face structure
[11:05] Main factors that influence proper jaw growth in early childhood?
[11:56] Can you jaw affect your posture and alignment?
[13:02] How early should airway development should be assessed? Under the age of 3
[14:16] How early should airway development should be assessed? Over the age of 3
[14:28] What are the earliest signs parents can look out for with their kids?
[15:45] What is recommended for adults who are snoring or grinding their teeth?
[16:45] Is it possible to prevent braces or are these issues typically genetic?
[18:23] Discussing information on Invisalign and clear aligners
[19:04] If someone already had braces and didn’t treat the root cause, would any issue come up later down the line?
[19:56] What are some of the most overlooked ways the mouth affects the rest of the body?
[19:18] Discussing how mouth breathing [specifically] affects the jaw development of a child
[22:42] Discussing adult mouth breathing and tips on improving effects of mouth breathing
[23:57] Is mouth tape a trend?
[24:25] What does proper tongue poster look like? How does it affect overall airway health?
[25:18] What are the differences between lip ties and tongue ties? What are the signs to look for?
[26:34] What are some of the possible causes of lip and tongue ties?
[27:39] How do you know if a child needs a frenectomy?
[29:04] Tips for parents to ween children off pacifier and thumb-sucking
[31:56] Discussing straws and sippy cups
[32:50] Daily habits to improve our oral health
[33:39] Discussing the benefits of xylitol
[35:07] Tips & tricks to help kids brush their teeth
[35:25] A popular wellness myth that Dr Kati debunks
[36:52] Dr Kati’s morning routine and wellness tips
[38:51] Fast faves (swaps)
Mentions
Myofunctional Exercise Drinking Straw & Nozzle (*we didn’t mention a recommended brand of a myofunctional straw on the show, so this is one that we found)
MyoMunchee
Nasal Sprays: Xclear, Little Remedies, BeeKeepers Naturals
Toothpaste Swaps: Dr Bronners, FYGG Coconut, Elementa
Floss: CocoFloss
Mouthwash: Elementa
Whitening Strips: Lumineux
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Dr. Kati Hetrick is a holistic, airway-focused general dentist and a crunchy mom of four. She’s passionate about helping families breathe better, sleep better and truly thrive through every stage of life.
At her practice, Grassroots Dental Wellness (located in Raleigh, NC), Dr. Hetrick offers root-cause, whole-body dental care — including lip and tongue tie treatment, early intervention orthodontics (starting as young as age 3) and airway-centered care for all ages.
She also practices at Raleigh Dental Arts, where she provides comprehensive general dentistry with a thoughtful, wellness-minded approach.
Dr. Hetrick believes in collaborative care and loves working alongside other like-minded providers to support the body’s natural growth and healing.
👀 you can find Dr Kati:
+ email grassrootsdentalwellness@gmail.com
+ on instagram @dr.katihetrick.dds
+ on Facebook Grassroots Dental Wellness
👀 you can find us:
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☮️ peace, love + CRUNCH!
😜🙏💜