Jacksonville, FL Pediatric Airway Dentistry

If your child is struggling nightly with restlessness, gasping for air, or other concerning issues, don’t wait to address the symptoms with a pediatric airway dentist. At Airway Dental & More, we examine how each breath affects your child’s dental health, facial development, and overall well-being using state-of-the-art technology and a comprehensive treatment approach.

 

Dr. Neil Stevenson empowers parents with in-depth knowledge and solutions to tackle airway disorders head-on. We are expertly trained to detect subtle signs of airway disturbances that might be overlooked during regular dental check-ups, as well as utilize advanced diagnostic tools and techniques. Our goal is to enhance your child’s breathing quality both during sleep and wakefulness, ensuring they have the foundation for optimal health and development.

Signs Your Child May Have an Airway Issue

Many children experience breathing difficulties without parents realizing the underlying cause. Here are some common signs that could indicate an airway problem:

What Is Pediatric Airway Dentistry?

Pediatric airway dentistry is an emerging field of research focused on the early detection and treatment of airway-related disorders in children. These doctors recognize that issues like sleep-disordered breathing, mouth-breathing, and other respiratory problems can significantly affect a child’s daily life. 

At Airway Dental & More, we work to identify and manage conditions that may restrict a child’s airway. Some of the common issues we address include the following: 

  • Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids: Often responsible for obstructive sleep apnea in children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can significantly block the airway during sleep.
  • Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): A condition where a tight band of tissue binds the bottom area of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, which can affect breathing, oral development, and proper oral rest posture.
  • High Arched Palate: A developmental, structural abnormality caused by improper tongue rest posture and function.   This abnormal growth pattern can narrow the nasal passages in width and height, thus restricting airflow potentially leading to breathing difficulties.
  • Mouth Breathing: Proper nasal breathing supplies the lungs with warmed, moistened, cleaned, and sanitized air.  Chronic mouth breathing delivers cold, dirty, dry, unsanitized air directly to the lungs and leads to dry mouth gum disease, and can be indicative of an obstructed nasal passage or enlarged adenoid.
  • Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking can change the shape of the oral cavity and jaw, leading to malocclusions and potential airway issues.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Often a sign of an underlying airway issue, teeth grinding can also lead to further dental problems if not addressed.
  • Deviated Septum: This condition restricts airflow through the nasal passages, often leading to mouth breathing.

 

Our dental professionals can accurately diagnose and treat airway conditions in children, tailoring treatment to address the unique circumstances of their airway anatomy.    

What Interventions May Be Taken to Treat Conditions That Affect a Child’s Airway?

Pediatric airway dentistry employs a variety of interventions to treat conditions that compromise a child’s airway. These treatments are designed to improve airway function and promote proper facial and dental development. The following are some common interventions:

  1. Orthodontic Appliances: Devices such as expanders and arch development appliances can help grow the palate and correct malocclusions that contribute to airway obstruction. These appliances aid in creating more space in the oral cavity and increase the size of the nasal cavity, facilitating better tongue posture and nasal airflow.
  2. Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy involves exercises that strengthen the oral and facial muscles. It helps correct the tongue’s position, enhances swallowing patterns, and can improve breathing habits.
  3. Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Surgical removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids is often recommended when these structures significantly obstruct the airway, especially noted in cases of sleep apnea.
  4. CPAP Therapy: For severe cases, especially in sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines may be prescribed to ensure that the airway remains open during sleep.
  5. Behavioral Modifications: Encouraging changes such as transitioning from mouth breathing to nasal breathing and cessation of thumb sucking or pacifier use.
  6. Dental Sleep Devices: Similar to mouthguards, these are worn during sleep to adjust the position of the lower jaw and tongue, increasing the airway’s opening.
  7. Surgical Interventions: In some cases, surgeries beyond tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be necessary to correct anatomical issues that restrict the airway, such as nasal septum deviation.
  8. Take-Home Sleep Studies and Diagnostics: Diagnostic tools such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans, rhinometry, pharyngometry, and take-home sleep studies are used to provide detailed insights into the anatomical and functional structures of the airway.

 

Each intervention is chosen based on a comprehensive assessment of your child’s specific needs and conditions. Speak with the dental professionals at Airway Dental & More for any questions regarding a customized treatment plan.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Untreated Airway Conditions?

Untreated airway conditions in children can lead to a multitude of side effects that affect not only their physical health but also their emotional and developmental well-being. The implications of these untreated conditions can be far-reaching, impacting various aspects of a child’s life. The following are some potential side effects:

Poor Sleep Quality

Chronic airway obstruction can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, including frequent awakenings and difficulty entering deep sleep stages. Poor sleep results in daytime fatigue and drowsiness, making it hard for children to stay awake and alert during school hours.

Behavioral and Emotional Problems

There is a well-documented link between poor sleep and behavioral issues in children. These can include hyperactivity, irritability, and mood swings. Chronic tiredness can make children more prone to emotional outbursts and may decrease their ability to cope with stress.

Cognitive Impairment

Continuous sleep disruption can affect brain development and function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and learning. Over time, this results in lower academic performance and can hinder a child’s ability to reach their full educational potential.

Growth and Development Issues

Sleep is critical for normal growth in children, as growth hormone is predominately secreted during sleep. Untreated airway conditions that disrupt sleep can, therefore, lead to growth deficiencies or delays.

Cardiovascular Strain

Chronic sleep disturbances, like those caused by sleep apnea, can put undue stress on the heart and lungs. In severe cases, this can lead to higher risks of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems later in life.

Dental and Facial Abnormalities

Conditions like mouth breathing and tongue tie can lead to dental issues such as malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth) and facial structural changes. These issues can require orthodontic, orthognathic or surgical interventions if not addressed early.

Decreased Quality of Life

 

The cumulative effect of poor sleep, behavioral issues, and health problems can significantly impair a child’s quality of life. It can affect their social interactions, school performance, and overall happiness.

Schedule an Appointment With the Pediatric Airway Dentists at Airway Dental & More

At Airway Dental & More, our dedicated Jacksonville pediatric dentists understand the critical role of early intervention in treating pediatric airway disorders. If you’ve observed symptoms like enlarged tonsils, mouth breathing, or frequent night awakenings in your child, or if you’re concerned about their breathing patterns during sleep, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a comprehensive treatment approach to manage and treat airway conditions effectively. 

Don’t let untreated conditions compromise your child’s health and development. Contact Airway Dental & More today to schedule a consultation at (904) 268-4466 or fill out a contact form. We’re here to provide the care your child needs to breathe easier and live healthier.

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Treatment
Our treatment philosophy centers on the belief that it’s never too late to improve sleep quality. With modalities such as oral appliances, laser therapy, and QuietNite, we aim to alleviate SDB and enhance overall health and vitality.