What are common signs of airway problems?
Breathing and airway issues are more common than many people realize, and they can go undiagnosed for years. If you're struggling with sleep, breathing, or misaligned teeth, you may be experiencing signs of a dental airway problem.
Dental airway issues are associated with the following symptoms:
Snoring. Snoring is one of the most common signs that your airway is not opening properly during sleep.
Mouth breathing. When the nasal passages are compromised, the body resorts to mouth breathing, which can indicate an issue with the airway.
Restless sleep. Not getting restful sleep can signal that the airway is partially blocked because the body wakes itself up partially throughout the night to get more oxygen.
Daytime sleepiness. Poor sleep at night causes daytime sleepiness. Even when you get sufficient hours of sleep, interrupted breathing can prevent fully restorative sleep.
Crowded teeth. Tight teeth are often a sign of a narrow arch or poor jaw development, which both can cause a smaller airway.
Significantly arched palate. A high, narrow palate can restrict nasal airflow, making it harder to breathe through the nose.
Receding chin. A receding chin can cause the tongue and soft tissues to fall back and block the throat during sleep, increasing the risk of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
Excessive dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common symptom of mouth breathing, which can air out the oral tissues.
Irritated throat. An irritated or sore throat in the morning can result from breathing through the mouth at night due to a blocked nasal or airway passage.
Teeth grinding. Teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep may be the body’s attempt at reopening a partially blocked airway. Moving the jaw can bring the tongue forward or reposition the airway.
How Can Airway Dentists Help?
If you have any of these symptoms, a dental airway evaluation could be the first step toward better sleep and health. Airway dentists offer several treatment options, including:
Myofunctional therapy – Exercises that strengthen tongue and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing.
Oral appliances – Custom devices that reposition the jaw to improve airflow.
Orthodontic treatment – Braces or expanders to improve jaw development and airway size.
If you suspect an airway issue is affecting your health or sleep, don’t wait. At Cascade Dental Care, we specialize in identifying and treating dental airway problems to help you feel rested, healthy, and energized again.
Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better breathing and better quality of life.