Pediatric Breathing & Airway

Why is an Airway Evaluation Important for My Child?

An airway that is too narrow, underdeveloped or constricted can prevent a child from getting enough oxygen as they sleep. This can lead to a disturbance in sleep quality and other issues like ADHD, chronic sore throat, irritability and many other conditions. Not getting sufficient, quality sleep can be detrimental for a child’s growth because it is during deep sleep when a child’s natural growth hormone is released.

What Are the Warning Signs of an Improperly-Formed Airway?

There are many signs that your child is experiencing abnormal breathing and sleep. These include mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, ADHD, poor performance in school and irritability. Chronic sore throats and allergies, swollen tonsils, crooked teeth and speech issues are also signs that there may be an issue. It’s important to watch for these symptoms and discuss them with Dr. Fattah and our team.

What Treatment is Available at Scottsdale Family Smiles for Pediatric Airway Issues?

Facial development and growth has a major impact on our ability to breathe. The amount of room for the tongue and the teeth in the mouth can have a direct impact on our breathing, sleep, hormones, growth and neurological development. We use 3D imaging to evaluate your child’s airway from their nasal passage through the space behind their tongue, recognize areas that may be constricted and choose the best path for improving the restrictions. Frequently, by using a system of orthodontic appliances we can help the upper and lower jaws develop and reshape the oral cavity. As these areas develop and change in shape, the child’s airway widens and expands, allowing them to breathe easier. Expanding the oral cavity, and helping the jaws develop forward improves the airway offering a more permanent solution for sleep disordered breathing. Treatment for under developed jaws and airways in children can improve chronic allergies, headaches, anxiety and attention issues and have a direct impact on performance in school.

This treatment at Scottsdale Family Smiles can also help straighten teeth. Teeth are often crowded because a child’s jaw is too small. When the jaw is expanded with oral appliance therapy, it allows more room for teeth to grow in naturally. This can provide a straight smile without the need for braces.

It’s important to treat these issues early, allowing for optimal growth and development and fewer future problems. Call us today at 480-607-6937 or schedule an appointment for an airway evaluation in Scottsdale, Arizona.