Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) encompasses any deviation from normal breathing patterns during sleep. From snoring to the potentially life-threatening OSA, untreated SDB poses significant health risks.
Opened Upper Airway
Closed Upper Airway
Recognizing symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include snoring, frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping or choking, restless sleep, and waking with morning headaches or dry mouth. Daytime symptoms can also include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood swings.
In children, additional symptoms may include tongue tie, bedwetting, frequent nightmares, dry or cracked lips, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, teeth grinding, and difficulty focusing or completing tasks. Physical signs like dark circles under the eyes may also suggest SDB. Even subtle signs, such as an open lip posture or slight mouth opening during sleep, should not be overlooked.
For patients experiencing snoring or mild sleep-disordered breathing, QuietNite laser therapy offers a non-invasive solution. This advanced treatment uses CO2 laser energy to gently tighten the soft tissues in the upper airway, including the soft palate. By stimulating natural collagen production, QuietNite reduces tissue vibration that causes snoring and helps open the airway for improved breathing during sleep. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and requires no downtime, with many patients noticing improvements within just a few days.
If left untreated, SDB can lead to a range of health problems, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. In children, untreated SDB may contribute to developmental delays, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and poor academic performance. It can also disrupt emotional regulation, leading to anxiety, difficulty managing tasks, and decreased overall well-being.
The effects extend beyond just health, impacting daily life, work, and safety, especially when daytime fatigue and cognitive impairment are present. Addressing SDB early is essential for preventing these long-term complications and improving quality of life.
Comprehensive airway treatments and family dental care with flexible financing to improve your health and smile.
Airway dentistry is a specialized field within dentistry that examines how the structure of the mouth influences breathing patterns and overall health. Dentists trained in airway dentistry use advanced diagnostic tools to assess patients for signs of compromised breathing, such as mouth breathing and malocclusion. By identifying these issues early on, our experienced Jacksonville dentists can develop personalized treatment plans to promote healthy breathing habits and optimal development of the airway from childhood into adulthood.
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment designed to correct improper oral habits like tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and incorrect swallowing patterns, which can affect breathing, speech, and overall oral health. These habits can lead to issues such as misaligned teeth, improper jaw development, and even sleep-disordered breathing.
We offer this therapy in-office for patients with a cognitive age of 4 and up, retraining the muscles of the mouth and throat to promote proper nasal breathing, improve swallowing function, and support overall well-being.
Achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve with personalized dental care at Airway Dental & More. Our Jacksonville team combines advanced technology with a compassionate approach to make every visit comfortable and stress-free. Whether you’re restoring your smile, improving function, or enhancing aesthetics, we’re here to help you reach your oral health goals with precision and care.
Ready to take the next step toward better oral health? Contact Airway Dental & More today at (904) 268-4466 or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation and discover how our team can make your smile shine.
