Early oral issues can be a warning sign of more serious breathing problems.
Many patients have no idea that they may have airway problems. Oxygen is life. Obstructed breathing can have serious effects on your daily quality of life and facial development.
At Beavercreek Orthodontics, we place a strong focus on airway assessment and addressing any related issues that may contribute to obstructed breathing. At your consultation, Dr. Domm will examine beyond just the teeth and smile. She will screen for sinus pathology, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, oral musculature issues, and tongue ties. By connecting the dots, Dr. Domm can help restore optimal health while also working on dental function.
Do you have concerns about your child’s airway?
If your child routinely snores, breathes through their mouth, or experiences excessive daytime sleepiness or headaches, they may be suffering from sleep-disordered breathing. Disrupted sleep can lead to neurocognitive developmental problems.
Airway obstruction can result in chronic mouth breathing, which can in turn alter the way a child’s facial structure grows. Early diagnosis can not only improve breathing, but it is key to preventing the need for surgical interventions as an adult.
Dr. Domm incorporates dentofacial orthopedic appliances and expanders into treatment to improve airflow and lessen mouth-breathing. Sleep quality can improve with changes in the airway’s size and shape.
What warning signs should you look for?
- Snoring
- Waking up not feeling rested
- Chronic allergies, runny nose, nasal obstruction
- Crowded baby teeth
- Dry, chapped lips
- Red, inflamed gums
- Frequent headaches
- Behavioral issues
- Tongue ties
- Bed wetting
- Restless sleep
- Crossbites
- Grinding
- ADHD-like symptoms
- Small jaw
Give us a call if you think your child could breathe easier and sleep better. We recognize the importance of treating airway obstruction as soon as possible and we screen patients as early as three years old. Dr. Domm takes a comprehensive approach to treatment and may refer you to another specialist, including:
- ENT to evaluate the tonsils and adenoids
- Myofunctional therapist to address tongue posture
- Dental specialists to release tongue and lip ties
