The airway impacts more than just your ability to breathe. In total, a person’s airway encompasses the mouth, jaw, nasal passages, tongue, and throat. When the airway is not functioning as it should, it can result in physical underdevelopment for any of the collective parts and other unexpected health conditions. For example, airway dysfunction can significantly impact oral health.
What is Airway Dysfunction?
Airway dysfunction is a condition that occurs when the airway passages are constricted, blocked, or otherwise compromised. This compromising of the airway can cause the patient to have difficulty breathing, speaking, or eating. One of the most immediate signs of a compromised airway is reliance on mouth breathing.
Mouth Breathing and its Effect on Oral Health
The healthiest and most effective way to breathe is through the nose. Nasal breathing aids in the proper development of the upper airway and the associated structures. When someone departs from this method of breathing due to an obstruction in their upper airway, the resulting mouth breathing can cause:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Bruxism, teeth fractures, and teeth erosion
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
- Myofascial pain
- Malocclusion and impacted teeth
- Periodontal disease
- Caries
How to Identify a Dysfunctional Airway
Identifying whether someone may be affected by a dysfunctional airway starts with assessing the patient’s facial and dental structure. During the examination, there should be an evaluation of facial form and symmetry, the nose, the tonsils and adenoids, the tongue, the teeth, and the soft and hard palates.
Home sleep studies can be particularly effective coupled with a cardiopulmonary device for patients with suspected airway dysfunction. A formal follow-up sleep study in a lab setting is the next step in identifying the most notorious airway dysfunction condition: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Airway Dysfunction Treatment in Burke, VA
Dr. Pamela Marzban specializes in treating sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, and cosmetic dentistry. This combination of specialties allows Dr. Marzban’s team to help treat functional conditions like airway dysfunction and prevent subsequent oral health conditions and create more beautiful smiles for their patients. To schedule a consultation, call our office at703-323-8200.
