When your child struggles with breathing, sleep, or concentration issues, the root cause may not be immediately obvious. You may be surprised to learn that narrow airways can contribute to a wide range of challenges that affect your child’s overall health and development. Understanding signs, such as sleep-related breathing problems, mouth breathing, and tooth misalignment, can help you make informed decisions about your child’s care and potentially improve their quality of life.
At Floss & Co., we understand how concerning it can be when your child faces breathing difficulties or developmental challenges. Our team, led by Dr. Murphy and Dr. Silva, includes orthodontics professionals who incorporate comprehensive airway assessments into every consultation, helping families discover solutions that go beyond traditional dental care. With our airway-focused care and personalized approach, you can trust us to find the right treatment for your child.
How to Know Your Child Would Benefit from Airway Expansion Orthodontics
Orthodontics can often address the root cause of your child’s breathing problems, but how do you know they need this treatment? The following signs may indicate a pattern that points to airway restrictions affecting your child:
Sleep-Related Breathing Issues
If your child snores regularly, experiences restless sleep, or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, these may indicate that their airway is too narrow during sleep. Children with airway restrictions often sleep with their mouths open, toss and turn throughout the night, or wake up feeling tired despite getting adequate sleep hours.
Mouth Breathing During the Day
Breathing patterns during waking hours also provide important clues. Children who consistently breathe through their mouths rather than their noses, especially when not exercising or excited, may have airway restrictions. You may notice that your child’s mouth hangs open during quiet activities, such as watching television or doing homework.
Behavioral and Concentration Problems
Children with narrow airways often exhibit behavioral changes that parents may not immediately associate with breathing issues. Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, or challenges with attention span can all stem from inadequate oxygen flow during sleep, which affects brain function and development.
Academic Performance Issues
Academic performance may also suffer when children don’t receive quality sleep due to airway restrictions. Teachers might report that your child seems tired, has trouble focusing, or displays behavioral issues during school hours. These symptoms can sometimes be misinterpreted as behavioral problems when the underlying cause is actually physical.
Facial Development Patterns
Facial development patterns can reveal airway issues early in childhood. Children with narrow airways often develop elongated faces, dark circles under their eyes, or a “tired” appearance even when they’re well-rested. Their facial growth may appear different from other family members, with features that seem vertically stretched rather than proportionally developed.
Dental Alignment Issues
Dental alignment issues frequently accompany airway problems. Crowded teeth, overbites, or underbites may indicate that your child’s jaw hasn’t developed properly to accommodate both their teeth and adequate airway space. Traditional orthodontic approaches may address tooth alignment but overlook underlying airway concerns.
The Benefits of Early Intervention With Airway Expansion Treatment
Children who receive airway expansion treatment often experience improvements in sleep quality, leading to better concentration, improved mood, and enhanced academic performance. The treatment can also reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea in adulthood, providing long-term health benefits that extend far beyond childhood. By addressing these issues early, you’re investing in your child’s lifelong health and well-being.
Addressing airway issues during childhood offers significant advantages because young bodies are still growing and developing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, when enough permanent teeth are present to identify potential problems early. Early intervention can guide proper facial and jaw development, potentially preventing more complex issues later in life.
Contact Floss & Co. to Learn More About Airway Expansion Orthodontics for Your Child
As a parent, recognizing signs of breathing issues in your child can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone, and effective solutions are available. At Floss & Co., we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your child’s airway health. Dr. Murphy and Dr. Silva conduct thorough airway assessments as part of every orthodontic consultation, examining tooth alignment and how your child’s airways function during breathing and sleep.
We designed our airway expansion treatments with your child’s comfort in mind, using gentle techniques that work with their natural growth patterns. We’ve built our reputation on patient comfort and inclusivity, ensuring every child receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Our state-of-the-art facility and comprehensive approach help us address both immediate concerns and long-term health goals for your child. Contact us at (773) 586-5522 or fill out our contact form to schedule your child’s airway assessment today.