Are Braces Painful and How Should Parents Frame Them?

In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, we dive into a topic every parent faces daily — our kids' teeth. From baby gums to braces, I sit down with orthodontist, educator, and author Dr. Robert Geiman to unpack the essential truths about children's dental health and what parents can do to set their kids up for lifelong confidence and health.

Dr. Geiman's new book, The Tooth Bible: A Parent's Guide to Their Child's Smile, turns decades of clinical experience into practical, bite-sized advice every parent can understand and apply. In our conversation, we cover everything from fluoride myths to brushing battles, flossing habits, and how oral health connects to our kids' overall well-being. But this episode goes beyond teeth — we talk about leadership, humility, and how the way we show up as dads can shape our families for generations.

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:27] – Introducing Dr. Robert Geiman and his mission behind The Tooth Bible.

[5:07] – How a COVID lockdown project became a parenting essential.

[8:12] – What parents should do from birth to age three: brushing basics and fluoride facts.

[10:22] – The truth about fluoride and why science still matters.

[15:00] – Why The Tooth Bible is written in Q&A format and the most common dental questions parents ask.

[18:10] – What parents should and shouldn't say to their kids before braces.

[20:16] – The real reason snacking on sugar all day is worse than eating it all at once.

[23:00] – How orthodontic technology has made braces more comfortable and effective.

[27:00] – The link between oral health, heart health, and overall well-being.

[30:00] – Making brushing fun and consistent for kids of all ages.

[40:30] – How and when to start flossing — and tools that make it easier for kids.

[43:33] – Leading by example: how your dental habits as a dad influence your children.

[48:41] – Dr. Geiman on marriage, communication, and leading at home with humility.

[50:45] – The importance of owning mistakes and teaching kids through example.

1. Oral health is a reflection of overall health. Healthy gums and teeth often mirror good habits and wellness throughout the body.
2. Fluoride, when used in proper doses, is safe and essential for preventing cavities. Dr. Geiman emphasizes trusting science over social media noise.
3. Make brushing fun and consistent. Give kids ownership—let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor to increase motivation.
4. Lead by example. Your kids are watching; if they see you brushing and flossing daily, they're more likely to do the same.
5. Parenting is leadership in action. Whether in dental habits or daily life, your consistency, humility, and example create lasting impact.

• The Tooth Bible website: https://thetoothbible.com
• The Tooth Bible Smile Shop: https://thetoothbible.com/smile-shop
• ChildandAdultOrthodontics.com
• Follow Dr. Geiman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_dr.bobby/
• https://www.instagram.com/brace_thyself/
• Podcast Episode Show Notes: http://thedadedge.com/1396

This episode reminds us that leadership starts with example — even in the smallest routines, like brushing your teeth beside your kids. When we lead with intention and humility, our children learn more than just good dental hygiene; they learn integrity, consistency, and care.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and share The Dad Edge Podcast to help more fathers build stronger, more intentional families.