Sleep & Breathing: The Foundation of Long-Term Health
Mouth Breathing & Airway Health:
What Every Parent & Adult
Should Know
Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose may not seem like a big deal, at first. But over time it can seriously affect jaw development, facial growth, and overall health (even cognitive).
A narrow jaw and crowded teeth
Sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, or restless sleep
Difficulty focusing, mood swings, or hyperactivity
Frequent allergies and congestion
Restoring Oral Muscle Function for Better Breathing
Jaw and airway development can be significantly enhanced by strong oral muscles and proper tongue posture. Dr. Hamada believes in a whole-body approach for long lasting results.
We use therapies like:
Palatal Expansion:
More Than Just
a Space Issue
Palatal expansion isn’t just about making room for teeth—it can play a key role in airway health. Because our diets are becoming softer with every generation, our jaws are shrinking with every generation. As the roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose, palatal expansion can increase the size of the airway. Different approaches are needed for children and adults, but the goal is the same.
For Children
Rapid palatal expanders gently widen the upper jaw while the bones are still developing, enlarging the airway passages to optimum dimensions.
For Adults
Expanding the upper jaw can reduce the risk of sleep apnea by improving nasal airflow leading to better long-term health.
Better Sleep & Breathing:
The Benefits of
Early Intervention
When airway function is restricted, the body tends to work harder to compensate, leading to:
Correcting airway issues early can help improve sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health, allowing both children and adults to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does mouth breathing impact jaw development and overall health?
Mouth breathing may lead to narrow jaw development, poor facial growth, and a smaller airway, possibly increasing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing. Posture, energy levels, and digestion could also be affected due to reduced nitric oxide production.
What is the difference between palatal expansion for kids and adults?
For children, palatal expansion works along with natural growth to widen the jaw and create more airway space. In adults, MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) might be needed to achieve similar airway benefits.
How does orthodontic treatment help with sleep apnea?
By expanding the airway and guiding proper jaw growth, orthodontic treatments can reduce airway obstruction, which may improve airflow and decrease sleep apnea symptoms.
What are the signs my child may have sleep-disordered breathing?
Snoring, mouth breathing, teeth grinding, hyperactivity, trouble focusing, bedwetting, and frequent nighttime awakenings could signal an airway problem.
How does myofunctional therapy help with airway issues?
Myofunctional therapy might strengthen oral and facial muscles, retraining the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth and supporting better nasal breathing, which could help reduce airway collapse and improve sleep quality.
Can orthodontics help with TMJ pain?
Many TMJ issues may be linked to airway dysfunction. A narrow airway could contribute to teeth clenching and jaw tension, leading to pain, headaches, and facial discomfort. Orthodontic treatment may help by improving jaw alignment and reducing strain on the joints.
Can orthodontics help adults with sleep-disordered breathing?
Many adults live with undiagnosed airway issues. When jaws don’t grow to their fullest potential, the airway, and thus sleep can suffer. That’s why innovations in orthodontics like non-surgical adult palatal expansion are so exciting. Our goal is to not only straighten teeth but to also enlarge airway passages for better sleep.
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing
If you or your child is struggling with snoring, constant mouth-breathing, daytime fatigue or jaw pain, don’t ignore it – airway health could be the missing link.
The good news? Early, attentive treatment now can prevent lifelong issues and dramatically improve quality of life.
It’s never too early (or too late) to seek help.
