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Now with 30 years in dentistry under my belt, I’ve seen many trends emerge in the field. Some have been short lived, and others have changed the course of the practice. When a trend emerges that has weight, I make it a priority to educate myself and my team.

In the ‘90s, it was occlusion and learning how the teeth come together. And in the ‘00s it was cosmetic dentistry and how you create a beautiful, natural looking smile. Exploring these fields to the fullest has paid off over the years and has noticeably improved patient care in our practice.

A topic that I’m beginning to see more that I think will have weight moving forward is airway issues. This is a buzzword I believe more dentists and patients will begin to hear and it’s something that we are investing our time in for the betterment of our patients.

Why Airway Health Matters

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, interfering with breathing. This and other airway issues focus on the idea that your airway is collapsed or narrowing, which can make it hard to breathe.

These repeated interruptions in breathing can have severe implications for your health. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cognitive decline
• Heart failure
• Stroke

Dental Signs of Airway Issues

You might wonder, “What does a dentist have to do with airway issues?” As dentists, we spend a lot of time in the mouth. We see the mouth, tongue and back of the throat quite often and can identify early signs of airway problems that might be missed by other specialists.

There are several red flags that tell us the patient may be experiencing airway issues. These include:

1. Tooth Wear from Grinding:People with airway obstructions often grind their teeth, which can cause significant wear patterns. This grinding is often a result of the body trying to reposition the jaw to open the airway during sleep. This is something I started to see when learning about occlusion. There were patterns of wear that could only be explained by someone posturing their jaw forward to breathe better.
2. Tongue Placement:There are several indicators that your tongue may be causing an airway issue – (1) your teeth leave indentations on your tongue, (2) you have a narrow arch and your teeth are close together (3) the dentist is constantly battling your tongue while working in the mouth. Each of these would indicate that there is not enough room in your mouth and your tongue is causing an airway issue.
3. Bad BreathThere are many reasons for bad breath. Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene might be linked to airway issues. Poor airflow can lead to dry mouth and increased bad bacteria. This type of bad breath has a specific smell to it. When paired with other red flags, it’s clear that it is related to a breathing issue.

Other Signs of Airway Issues

In addition to the above, there are several other common signs of airway issues.

• Snoring: If your partner complains about your snoring, it might indicate a blocked airway. Snoring occurs when airflow is restricted, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate.
• Daytime Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired during the day, despite a full night’s sleep, is another warning sign. This can be due to poor oxygenation during sleep.
• Waking Up Gasping for Air: This alarming experience can be a serious sign of sleep apnea and affects oxygen delivery to the brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline.

How your Dentist Can Treat Airway Issues

If we identify an airway issue, there are several treatment options your dentist may recommend based on your specific case.

• Orthodontics: Adjusting the position of your teeth can fix a narrow arch form and create more space in the mouth for your tongue, thus preventing an obstruction.
• Marpe Expansion Device: Traditionally used in children, this device can now be adapted for adults to expand the arch and improve airway space. It can be just as effective as orthodontics for creating more room in the mouth.
• Sleep Appliances: Appliances like the TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) device are designed to reposition your jaw slightly forward to keep your airway open during sleep. These appliances are effective and can significantly improve sleep quality.
• CPAP Therapy: For severe cases, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine provides a steady flow of air to keep the airway open. While some patients find it uncomfortable, it’s a proven method for managing sleep apnea.
• Lifestyle Changes: Simple adjustments can make a big difference. Sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and managing weight can help reduce airway obstruction.

Long-Term Considerations

When discussing airway issues, I often hear patients say, “This doesn’t bother me, so why should I want to deal with this?” Addressing airway issues is not just about immediate relief; it’s about long-term health. If you have trouble breathing, then you’re not getting enough oxygen to your blood. This can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

In younger patients, untreated air way issues can also accelerate tooth wear and lead to premature dental issues. If you’re investing in dental work, such as crowns or veneers, it’s crucial to address any underlying airway problems first. Failure to do so can lead to recurrent issues and damage your dental investments.

Consult with Your Dentist

If you suspect you might have airway issues, be sure to consult with your dentist. We are here to guide you through the process, including potential referrals for sleep studies or specialized treatments. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing and improving your airway health.

Whether you have a known airway issue, or suspect that you might, schedule a consultation with our dentist office in Brandon, FL. We’d be happy to assess you and discuss your options. You can schedule an appointment online, or call us at (813) 689-4226.