At The Dental Studio, we believe that optimal oral health goes hand in hand with optimal breathing. That is why we take an airway-focused approach to dentistry, recognizing that the structure of the jaws, tongue and facial muscles can significantly influence how well you breathe — day and night. This area of care, known as airway dentistry, is an important part of our commitment to helping patients experience greater health and quality of life.
Why is Airway Health So Important?
Your airway affects more than just your ability to breathe comfortably. When compromised, it can contribute to a number of health concerns, including sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. These conditions may begin subtly but can lead to major health and developmental complications if left untreated.
Common signs of an unhealthy airway include:
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Forward head posture
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Fatigue, irritability or trouble focusing
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Frequent waking or restless sleep
- Tension in the jaw, neck or shoulders
Many of these issues are linked to improper jaw development or limited space in the upper airway. Airway dentistry in Sandy, Utah, seeks to identify these problems early and offer effective interventions.
Airway Health & Growth in Children
Proper breathing is vital for healthy growth in children. By age 6, about 60% of a child’s facial development is complete, and by age 12, that number rises to 90%. If a child is not breathing well through the nose — often due to allergies, enlarged tonsils or tongue-tie — their facial structure may develop improperly. This can lead to narrow arches, poor tongue posture and long-term health concerns.
Signs of airway-related developmental issues in children may include:
- Delayed speech or difficulty eating
- Trouble sleeping or night terrors
- Attention or behavioral challenges
- Bed-wetting past the typical age
- Chronic nasal congestion or open-mouth posture
Our dentist and team are trained to detect these early warning signs and recommend personalized treatment options that may include myofunctional therapy, orthodontics or other interventions to improve breathing and promote healthy development.
The Link Between Airway Health & Sleep Apnea
In adults, airway problems often present as snoring, gasping for air at night or waking up with headaches and fatigue. These symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, depression, weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.
At our office, we work closely with physicians and sleep specialists to identify signs of sleep apnea and provide conservative treatment options, such as oral appliance therapy, to improve nighttime breathing and restore restful sleep.
To learn more about airway dentistry in Sandy, UT, and how it can benefit you or your child, we invite you to call us at 801-278-4787 and schedule a consultation with Dr. David Peterson.