Improve Your Quality of Life with Airway-Centered Dentistry

Dr. Brandi Lindsey is committed to improving the oral and overall health of our patients through airway-centered dentistry at Olmos Park Dental. By focusing on airway health, we take a holistic approach to treating sleep apnea, teeth grinding, snoring, and other airway-related conditions, providing lasting relief. Experience the benefits of airway-focused care in San Antonio, Texas. Schedule a visit with us today to see the difference it can make in your health.

What is airway-centered dentistry?

Airway dentistry focuses on the structure of your mouth and how that affects breathing. It’ll surprise you, but things like jaw misalignment, tongue position, and palate development can affect your breathing, which causes numerous health issues. Airway dentists focus on how we breathe, and any malfunctions in this natural process provide insights into diagnoses and treatment of oral health conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ pain, and snoring. The ultimate goal is to promote healthy breathing, which supports better sleep and overall well-being.

What are the problems associated with an unhealthy airway?

Airway-focused dentists investigate the relationship between oral anatomy, healthy breathing, and overall wellness. When developmental issues of the mouth, jaw, and throat affect breathing patterns, this often leads to numerous health issues.

Some include:

  • Mouth breathing: Mouth breathing, particularly during sleep, can be a significant concern for you or your loved ones. The nose is designed for breathing, while the mouth is not. When the airway is compromised, the body compensates by using the mouth for breathing. Unfortunately, air inhaled through the mouth lacks the filtration and moisture provided by the nose, which can lead to several issues. Moreover, mouth breathing can result in dryness, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB): When your airway fails to develop to its optimal shape and size, it can restrict airflow, especially during sleep. A narrow or obstructed airway often leads to snoring, mouth breathing, and, in more severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a severe form of SDB that causes interrupted breathing during sleep due to partial or complete airway blockage. Sleep-disordered breathing can significantly impact your sleep quality, ultimately affecting your overall quality of life. Furthermore, OSA has been associated with severe health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other systemic conditions.
  • TMJ disorders: Your jaw health is directly linked to your airway health. An improperly developed airway affects jaw development, which may constantly strain jaw joints. This may result in TMJ pain symptoms, such as chronic headaches, jaw soreness, earaches, and difficulty chewing.

Airway dentistry integrates seamlessly into our holistic approach to dental care, allowing us to address oral health issues comprehensively. For example, we often discover that recurrent cavities or gum disease may stem from an unhealthy airway rather than poor oral hygiene alone. By focusing on airway health, we can provide more effective treatments and promote overall well-being for our patients.

Ready for airway-focused dentistry?

Everyone needs a healthy airway, so airway dentistry suits children and adults alike. For more information about how airway dentistry can benefit you and your child, call (210) 767-3525 to schedule an appointment with Olmos Park Dental. We can’t wait to restore your healthy breathing and life!