Snoring

Enlarged Tonsils

Asthma

Mouth Breathing

Sleep Apnea

Chronic Nasal Congestion

Post-Nasal Drip

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections)

All of the above relate directly to dental conditions. Proper function of the airway is an absolute requirement for proper development of the teeth and jaws. Airway problems lead to dental crowding, overbites, crossbites, open bites, and more. It is a reciprocating arrangement.

Once the airway has compromised the dental form and function, the abnormal dental form and function maintains the abnormal airway function. Most airway problems are environmental, not genetic. This means that things in our life experience create the problem, like the foods we eat, the air we breathe. This also means that we can influence their development back to the way it was intended, if we do the right thing.

The first step is to open the airway. There are several areas that are capable of being treated. The first is the nasal passages. These are frequently compromised by the palate being pushed up into the nasal cavity as the arch form of the upper teeth narrows (from mouth breathing). Proper orthodontic treatment widens the arch form and drops the palate down, thereby enlarging the nasal passages.

The second area of airway that can be influenced is the area behind the tongue. This is the source of snoring and sleep apnea. It is caused by the jaw posturing too far back (too much overbite) which allows the tongue to posture too far back as well. The volume of space between the back of the tongue and the back of the throat is reduced and problems result.

Not only is it a social problem (keeping others from getting quality rest), but it is a health problem for the snorer himself (or herself).

As we learn more about snoring, the understanding of just how dangerous a problem it is has become more apparent. When we sleep, our body is resting and regenerating. To do this, it needs an ample supply of oxygen.

When we snore, we restrict the flow of oxygen, and therefore reduce our capacity to rest thoroughly and regenerate properly. The most severe form of snoring results in a condition called sleep apnea, where breathing actually stops for periods of time. This severe form of snoring has proven to be fatal if not controlled.

Dentists are providing help in the form of determining the cause of the problem, as well as providing the solution in the form of a mouthpiece that is highly effective in preventing snoring.

If you or someone you care about has a snoring problem, be sure the problem gets addressed. It can dramatically improve quality of life.