We talk about it all the time, but it’s true. Your entire body is connected, and not just in the biological sense. If you’re experiencing discomfort in one part of your body, the rest of your health is going to be thrown out of whack, too.
Think of your body like a well-oiled machine. If one part of that machine isn’t performing properly, the machine is failing as a unit.
So, what does your breath, for example, have to do with your teeth?
Airway Obstructions Cause Tooth Problems
In 2003, National Institutes of Health researchers studied the relationship between upper airway obstruction on malocclusion patterns.
OK, that’s a lot of jargon, so what does that mean? Upper airway obstruction is when you have a blockage in your trachea, larynx or throat. This can be a cause for concern, as starving your body for air – even in minor ways – can cause problems down the line. Malocclusion patterns include tooth crowding, extra or missing teeth, misshapen teeth, and more.
Researchers discovered that upper airway obstruction can cause and worsen occlusion patterns of the teeth. That is, if your child has an obstruction in the upper airway, their teeth are more likely to grow improperly.
And this is just one way your breath is related to your teeth.
Snoring and Lack of Air at Night
If you’re not getting enough oxygen while you sleep, you’re setting yourself up for a slew of health problems in the future. First, a lack of oxygen while you’re sleeping means you’re not getting into a deep sleep. You might feel this if you wake up still tired despite sleeping for the recommended hours or if you have headaches or migraines throughout the day. Your partner might feel this because you’re snoring, which will harm their sleep, too.
This is called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea might be caused by obesity, age, alcohol and drug use, allergies, medications, and sometimes just the way your body is shaped. People who sleep on their back experience sleep apnea at a higher rate than stomach or side sleepers, as their neck and head are likely to tilt backward and close off their airway while they sleep.
Sleep apnea can cause memory problems and focus issues. It also increases your risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease.
Treating Your Sleep Apnea
Sleep experts can help you diagnose and treat your sleep apnea. However, Dr. Pamela Marzban is well-equipped to treat your sleep apnea as well. Using the MicrO2 sleep appliance, you and your partner will be sleeping better in no time. This appliance brings your jaw forward, opening up your airway. It will help you take in more oxygen while you sleep, and you’ll be feeling better during the day in no time at all.
Breathe Better, Live Better
If you believe you’re not sleeping well at night because of an airway issue, your breathing could be improved during the day, or your child’s malocclusion is being caused by an upper airway obstruction, cosmetic dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban and her trusted team at Marzban DDS in Burke, Virginia, can help.
To schedule an appointment to discuss your airway problem, please call When you smile or laugh, you should feel confident, happy and without worry about how your teeth look. 703-323-8200 today.
