Enhancing Health With Airway Treatment

We believe pediatric dentistry goes beyond just taking expert care of children’s beautiful smiles. It’s about promoting overall health and improving the quality of life for our patients. One critical aspect of health that we focus on is the airway. We understand that oral health and airway function are closely linked to long-term systemic health, which is why airway treatment is a key part of our diagnostic process.

What is Airway Treatment?

Airway treatment involves specific treatments aimed at improving airway function. This can include expanding a patient’s airway to treat conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). By addressing airway concerns, we can help improve both oral and overall health, enhancing a patient’s ability to breathe properly during sleep and enjoy restful, restorative sleep.

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder where the muscles in the throat, including the tongue and soft palate, relax during sleep and temporarily block the airway. This disruption causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night, which can reduce oxygen levels in the blood and increase carbon dioxide levels. It also triggers the release of cortisol, the “stress hormone,” leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure.

While your child may not fully wake up, they could experience snoring, choking, or gasping several times an hour throughout the night. These interruptions prevent them from reaching the deeper, more restful stages of sleep, leaving their body in a constant state of stress. As a result, you might wake up feeling exhausted, irritable, and fatigued.

OSA and SDB can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

• Headaches
• Anxiety and depression
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating or staying awake
• Poor school performance and behavioral issues in children

In addition, OSA has been linked to more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of OSA and SDB

The signs of OSA and SDB can vary, but common symptoms include:

• Snoring
• Pauses in breathing
• Mouth breathing
• Short attention span, hyperactivity, or ADD/ADHD
• Restless sleep and daytime drowsiness
• Snorting, coughing, or choking during sleep
• Nighttime sweating or bed-wetting
• Poor weight gain in children
• Sleep terrors
• Behavioral or learning problems

Causes of OSA and SDB

Certain factors can contribute to the development of OSA and SDB, including:

• Obstructive Tissues: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can block the airway.
• Lack of Space for the Tongue: Narrow jaws, a recessed upper or lower jaw, or a tongue-tie can crowd the airway.
• Obesity: Especially in adults, excess weight can contribute to airway blockages.

Treatment Options for OSA and SDB

There are various approaches to treating OSA and SDB, which may include:

• Reduction or Removal of Obstructive Tissues: For some patients, removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids can help clear the airway and promote nasal breathing.
• Growth-Oriented Treatment: This involves using jaw expansion and/or advancement treatments to maximize the skeletal growth potential. Expanding the jaws can increase the volume of the upper airway and provide more space for the tongue.

When Should Airway Treatment Begin?

Many of the growth modification techniques we use for children work best when started as early as age 6 or 7. The sooner we assess and treat airway concerns, the better the outcomes for long-term health.

If you suspect your child may be struggling with airway issues related to sleep quality, we encourage you to contact our office today for a consultation. We are here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.