Airway-Centered Orthodontics

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Signs your child
might have an airway issue

Is your child a mouth breather?

Children with airway issues often breathe through their mouths, both when sleeping and awake. Mouth breathing can lead to long-term health problems and potential brain damage in your child. Mouth breathing is NOT normal breathing.

Does your child snore at night?

While it may seem cute when your child snores, snoring is actually a sign of a larger issue. It indicates an obstruction of the airway and should be brought to the attention of your pediatrician and airway orthodontist.

Does your child have a hard time waking up after long hours of sleep? Or difficulty concentrating at school?

Children who do not get enough restful sleep often struggle to wake up in the morning and stay alert throughout the day. Despite long hours of sleep, they may wake up tired due to disrupted sleep patterns caused by breathing difficulties. Persistent sleep issues can cause dark circles around the eyes, often referred to as “allergic shiners.” This lack of restful sleep can also lead to difficulty concentrating at school and often times they are even misdiagnosed as having ADHD.

Sleep apnea & poor sleep quality

can lead to increased rates of anxiety & mood disorders

A compromised airway can significantly impact a child’s health and well-being. Chronic mouth breathing can result in improper development of the face and jaws, leading to a smaller, compromised airway.

Symptoms in a CHILD with compromised airway:

Crooked or Crowded Teeth:

When a child’s airway is compromised, they may habitually breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. This can cause their teeth to shift and become crowded over time.

Chronic Allergies And Asthma:

A compromised airway can lead to increased susceptibility to allergies and asthma, which can cause:

Fatigue And Tiredness:

Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue and tiredness, making it difficult for children to concentrate and perform well in school.

Behavioral Problems:

Poor sleep quality and chronic fatigue can contribute to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, irritability, and difficulty focusing.

Delayed Growth And Development:

A compromised airway can lead to delayed growth and development in children, both physically and mentally.

Delayed Growth And Development:

A compromised airway can lead to delayed growth and development in children, both physically and mentally.

Mouth Breathing:

Children with a compromised airway may breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, which can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and dental problems.

Narrow Dental Arches:

Mouth breathing can also lead to a narrow upper jaw, which can cause crowding and make it difficult for permanent teeth to come in properly.

Speech Difficulties:

Children with a compromised airway may have difficulty speaking clearly or pronouncing certain words.

Facial Development Anomalies:

Improper development of the face and jaws can lead to facial deformities, such as a small chin or a receding jawline.

It’s essential to address a compromised airway in children as early as possible. Children’s facial structures are still developing, which means they can be redirected to grow properly and prevent airway problems from getting worse or happening at all. By addressing the root cause of the problem, we can even reverse the issue if it’s severe.

The younger we start the treatment, the better the chances of success.

symptoms of how a compromised airway affects an adolescent:

Headaches And Migraines:

Adolescents with a compromised airway may experience frequent headaches and migraines due to poor oxygenation and decreased blood flow to the brain.

Behavioral And Mood Changes:

Adolescents with a compromised airway may experience changes in behavior and mood, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Chronic Fatigue:

Poor sleep quality can cause daytime fatigue and tiredness, making it challenging to concentrate & perform well in school.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Adolescents with a compromised airway may experience hormonal imbalances, such as an increase in cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

Dental Problems:

A compromised airway can lead to dental problems such as crooked teeth, cavities, and gum disease.

Jaw Pain And TMJ Problems:

A compromised airway can cause jaw pain, stiffness, and TMJ problems due to the misalignment of the jaw.

Tooth Grinding Or Clenching (Bruxism):

Bruxism is a common dental problem that can be caused by stress or an abnormal bite. In adolescents with a compromised airway, it may be a symptom of a larger issue with their oral and facial development.

Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite):

An improper bite can cause a range of issues, from difficulty chewing & speaking to chronic headaches and neck pain. A compromised airway can contribute to malocclusion by affecting the growth and development of the teeth and jaws.

Snoring And Sleep Apnea:

Adolescents with a compromised airway may experience snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep, which can lead to sleep apnea and poor quality sleep.

Respiratory Problems:

A compromised airway can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies.

While facial growth is complete by the time children reach adolescence, there are still plenty of treatment options to improve their airway health and overall wellbeing. With orthodontic treatments, Myofunctional therapy, multidisciplinary care, and lifestyle changes – specifically breathing habits – adolescents can airway improvements and optimal orthodontic outcomes.

Left untreated into adulthood, a compromised airway can have severe consequences as symptoms and conditions continue to worsen.

symptoms of how a compromised airway affects adults:

Migraine Headaches:

Adults with a compromised airway may experience chronic migraine headaches, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Chronic Fatigue:

Adults with a compromised airway often experience chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Adults with a compromised airway have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure.

Cognitive Decline:

A compromised airway can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia in later life.

Stroke:

Impaired airway function can elevate the risk of stroke by affecting blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, can be caused by a compromised airway.

Type 2 Diabetes:

A compromised airway can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes due to the hormonal imbalances it causes.

Acid Reflux:

A compromised airway can lead to acid reflux, which can cause heartburn and damage to the esophagus.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis):

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. A compromised airway can contribute to periodontitis by causing dry mouth and altering the oral microbiome.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD):

Adults with a compromised airway may experience chronic migraine headaches, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Jaw Pain:

Adults with a compromised airway may experience jaw pain due to the misalignment of their jaws caused by mouth breathing.

Airway-focused treatments for adults can be transformative from a quality of life perspective. There are many options available. From oral appliance therapy to orthodontics to orthognathic surgery, there are solutions to improve airway health and reduce the risk of complications.