7 Things You Need to Know About Airway Dentistry

Breathing is one of the easiest things we do. So much so that we never really give this act of filling our lungs with air a second thought. But for millions, breathing properly while they sleep is a huge problem.

When your body doesn’t get the air it needs when you sleep, it can negatively affect your short—and long-term health. If you’re always tired in the morning, it might be time to see a specialist who can help. At David A. Goodman, DMD Alan C. Ko, DMD, in Milford, Massachusetts, Dr. Alan Ko and his team have helped many clients with sleep-disordered breathing, and he can help you, too.

1. Opening New Paths with Airway-Centered Dentistry

Airway-centered dentistry investigates how your teeth and jaw play a vital role in your breathing at night. Your nighttime breathing determines your sleep quality, impacting your daily energy. We see your oral health through a full-body lens, which means we don’t just improve your smile but your overall quality of life. This approach can help you sleep more soundly and wake up feeling more rested.

2. Why Airway Health Is So Important

If you struggle to breathe at night, you may suffer from a blocked airway. This condition is commonly known as sleep apnea and can cause restless sleep. Without a good night’s rest, you start to experience many negative side effects, like brain fog, changes in your mood, and even some serious health issues.

3. Health Issues Linked to Poor Breathing

Poor breathing as you sleep doesn’t just make you more tired. This condition can cause serious health problems as well. Here is what can happen when your airways are not delivering enough oxygen to your body:

• Frequent sinus infections
• Morning headaches
• Jaw pain and clicking
• Acid reflux (especially during the night)
• Jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart attacks
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Memory issues

4. How Airway Health Connects to Your Oral Health

If you’re experiencing symptoms like jaw pain and teeth grinding, these issues might be caused by more than just stress. You may have a problem with your airway. Our team has extensive training in treating sleep-disordered breathing and can diagnose these signs through a quick oral exam. Grinding and clenching are natural reactions as your body struggles to keep your airways open at night. It’s possible to fix your teeth, grinding, and jaw pain by improving your nighttime breathing.

5. Improving Your Health with Early Intervention

Addressing sleep-disordered breathing early can improve your child’s long-term health. They will not only feel more energized and ready to learn in school but also avoid many of the above-mentioned health issues later in life, provided they maintain a healthy diet and daily oral health routine. This treatment can also prevent crooked teeth caused by clinching and other oral health issues. Starting treatment early can make a huge difference down the road.

6. Reading Recommendations for Deeper Insights 

Dr. Steven Park’s “Sleep Interrupted” brilliantly explains how poor breathing reduces the quality of sleep. Dr. Felix Liao’s “6 Foot Tiger 3 Foot Cage” illustrates how jaw size impacts the airway. Both of these books are highly recommended and explain a complex issue in plain language. They are worth reading if you want to learn more about how your mouth, sleep, and general health are all linked.

7. Taking the First Step to a Better Night’s Sleep at a place near me

If you wake up feeling tired or snoring at night, now is the time to act. A great night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a distant dream. Call David A. Goodman, DMD Alan C. Ko, DMD, in Milford, MA, at (508) 850-0686 to schedule your consultation. Together, we can help you get the most out of your sleep.

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