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904.268.4466

Jacksonville, FL Airway Dentist

Breathing, Sleep, and Health

Neil K. Stevenson DMD

Optimal health hinges on the intricate relationship between breathing and sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a spectrum of conditions ranging from mouth breathing to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), profoundly impacts overall well-being.
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What is Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?

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

Symptoms of SDB

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 a flattened cupid’s bow or 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.

Possible Results of Untreated SDB

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.
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Airway Dentistry

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

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.

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HOW WE TREAT

Our treatment approach begins with thorough assessment, recognizing the individual needs for each patient. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as CBCT scans, rhinometry, pharyngometry, and take-home sleep studies, we tailor treatment plans to effectively address the unique characteristics of each patient’s airway anatomy. From identifying malocclusion to addressing mouth breathing and other airway-related concerns, our personalized approach ensures precise and effective interventions.
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Sleep Assessment Quiz

To find out your score, please provide your contact information and a member of our team will be in touch.
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.
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Logo White Airway Dental & More
12078 San Jose Blvd #1 Jacksonville, FL 32223
Phone: 904.268.4466
Fax: 904.268.5904
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Myofunctional Therapy

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. One key benefit of myofunctional therapy is its role in managing tongue ties—a condition where the tissue under the tongue restricts movement. By strengthening and retraining the muscles, this therapy can help improve function post-release or even reduce the need for surgical intervention in some cases.

HOW WE TREAT

Our treatment approach begins with thorough assessment, recognizing the individual needs for each patient. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as CBCT scans, rhinometry, pharyngometry, and take-home sleep studies, we tailor treatment plans to effectively address the unique characteristics of each patient’s airway anatomy. From identifying malocclusion to addressing mouth breathing and other airway-related concerns, our personalized approach ensures precise and effective interventions.