A child may experience improper growth patterns to the face and jaw due to an airway problem. A properly functioning airway carries air exchange between the oral and nasal cavities and the lungs. When airway function is compromised, this affects the proper development of the teeth and jaws.
Over time, an untreated airway issue can cause additional health issues for a child and affect how a child’s facial features develop and how the child eventually looks as an adult.
Early detection and treatment are essential in correcting the airway problem and preventing more serious comorbidities from developing.
Three factors influence a child’s facial development: the functioning of muscles, proper nutrition, and the ability to breathe normally.
Normal breathing is breathing through the nose with lips sealed and the tongue at the roof of the mouth.
When a child cannot breathe normally through the nose, he or she will compensate for this by breathing through the mouth. Mouth breathing over an extended period of time will distort and shrink the airway and may eventually lead to dental problems such as clenching and/or grinding the teeth, sensitivity, receding gums, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
Proper breathing is essential for a child’s health and development.
Your child may have an airway issue if he or she
If your child has an airway issue, he or she may display one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
During your child’s consultation, Dr. Reece will be checking for proper development of the jaw and harmony of the face. She will also screen for breathing and oral habits that may affect dentofacial development over time.
If you think your child has an airway issue causing dental and overall health issues, contact Advanced Dentistry of Kearney at (308) 237-1311 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stacy Reece. You may also request an appointment online.
Dr. Reece offers conservative treatment methods aimed at restoring natural balance to the system. This may involve correcting imposing structures to allow for an increase in airway space and thus an increase in airflow.
Over the years, we’ve learned that distortions in facial growth patterns lead to compromised airways. This is because the airway exists above and behind the mouth. So any distortions affecting the mouth also affect the airway.
Structures that can impact the airway include:
If a structure is affecting the airway space, then airflow is restricted.
Common health issues that can compromise the airway include:
Postural problems include:
The following airway issues may be dental-related:
