Why “Wait and See” Might Be the Most Dangerous Advice You’ll Hear

When it comes to your child’s teeth, breathing, and development—early action matters

You’ve been told to wait. Wait until the adult teeth come in. Wait until they’re old enough for braces. Wait and see if they grow out of mouth breathing or snoring.

But here’s the truth: waiting often means missing the window where the most change is possible. And by the time most kids start treatment, the damage is already done.

Let’s explore why “wait and see” is often the worst advice a parent can get—and what to do instead.

The Problem with “Wait and See”

By age 6, many of the foundational patterns for jaw, airway, and facial growth are already set in motion.

By age 10, the upper jaw begins to fuse.

By 12 or 13, many kids are already experiencing the long-term effects of poor development:

• Crowded teeth

• Narrow jaws

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring or poor sleep

• Forward head posture

• Speech issues

• Reluctance to eat tough foods

If we wait until all the adult teeth come in, we’re not preventing these issues—we’re trying to fix them after the fact.

What “Wait and See” Really Misses

• Mouth breathing becomes a default pattern

• Tongue posture never develops correctly

• The jaw grows too small to accommodate teeth

• The palate narrows, reducing airway space

• Kids may be labelled with ADHD, behavioural issues, or sleep disorders—when the real issue is structural

What “Waiting” Can Lead To

• Extractions to “make room”

• Years of braces—and relapse after treatment

• Surgery to correct structural issues

• Sleep apnoea in teens and adults

• Jaw pain, tension headaches, and posture problems

• A lifetime of treating symptoms instead of the root cause

What to Do Instead

1. Look for the Signs Early

   • Mouth open at rest, snoring, crowded baby teeth, speech delays

2. Find an Airway-Focused Practitioner

   • They understand the importance of early development

3. Start Small Changes at Home

   • Chewing, breathing exercises, better sleep posture

4. Explore Early Expansion if Needed

   • It’s most effective before age 10 and can prevent years of treatment

5. Get an Assessment—Even if You're Unsure

   • Knowledge is power. A consultation now can save years later.

Want to Know What to Look For?

The Mouth Myth includes:

• Early warning signs most parents miss

• The critical windows for jaw and airway growth

• What you can do at every stage

• Bonus: Airway Health Checklist (included free)

📘 Get The Book →
When you know what to look for, you won’t have to wait—and you won’t have to wonder.