As a parent, you want the best for your child—from their smile to their sleep and overall well-being. But what if your child’s dental development is signaling a deeper issue?
At Pure Health Dental in Otsego, MN, we often see children whose crooked teeth, mouth breathing, or poor sleep are symptoms of underlying airway dysfunction. When caught early, we can guide growth in a healthier direction—avoiding complex problems later on.
Let’s explore how airway issues manifest in children, what to watch for, and how our holistic dental team can help.
What Is Pediatric Airway Dysfunction?
Airway dysfunction refers to any condition where a child cannot breathe easily and fully through the nose. This can result from:
- Small or underdeveloped jaws
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Tongue or lip ties
- Poor oral habits (thumb sucking, mouth breathing)
- Allergies or chronic congestion
Over time, this can interfere with oxygen intake, especially during sleep. The consequences may affect not just their teeth—but also their energy, mood, behavior, and growth.
Signs of Airway Dysfunction in Children
Parents are often surprised to learn that these common behaviors could point to an airway issue:
🚩 Mouth Breathing
If your child regularly breathes through their mouth—even when they’re not sick—it may indicate nasal obstruction or poor oral posture.
🚩 Snoring or Restless Sleep
A child should sleep quietly through the night. Snoring, grinding teeth, or frequent tossing and turning may signal disrupted breathing.
🚩 Daytime Tiredness or Hyperactivity
Kids who don’t sleep well may be labeled “hyper” or “unfocused” during the day. Poor sleep due to airway restriction mimics ADHD symptoms.
🚩 Bedwetting
Chronic bedwetting after age 6 is often linked to sleep-disordered breathing.
🚩 Speech Delays or Lisp
Tethered oral tissues (tongue-tie or lip-tie) can restrict proper tongue movement, affecting speech and feeding.
🚩 Crowded Teeth and Narrow Jaw
If your child’s upper arch is V-shaped (instead of U-shaped) or their teeth seem too crowded too early, their jaw may not be developing properly.
Developmental Concerns
When airway dysfunction is present, the face often grows long and narrow, with poor tongue posture contributing to midface deficiency. This can affect not only the smile but the entire appearance of the child’s face.
Left unaddressed, these issues can evolve into TMJ problems, sleep apnea, and speech difficulties in adolescence and adulthood.
How We Evaluate Airway Health at Pure Health Dental
Our team is trained in airway-focused pediatric care. During your child’s visit, we evaluate:
- Breathing patterns and nasal posture
- Oral habits and tongue position
- Palate width and bite alignment
- Tonsil/adenoid health (in collaboration with ENT providers)
If needed, we may recommend:
- Myofunctional therapy exercises
- Habit correction (like thumb sucking)
- Frenectomy (tongue- or lip-tie release)
- Palatal expansion to widen the airway
- Collaboration with a sleep or ENT specialist
What Happens After Diagnosis?
The good news is, early intervention can make a dramatic difference. Many children benefit from a combination of:
- Breathing re-education and nasal hygiene
- Functional appliances to widen the jaw
- Behavior tracking (sleep diary, oral habits)
- Exercises to retrain tongue and lip muscles
We always involve parents in the process, explaining each option and how it will support your child’s development. We also check for underlying causes such as allergies or sinus congestion that may be impacting breathing.
Empowering Otsego Parents With Knowledge
We believe that informed parents make empowered choices. Our team will walk you through every finding, explain all treatment options, and help you build a personalized plan that supports your child’s growth and well-being.
Worried your child may have signs of airway dysfunction?
Schedule a pediatric airway screening today with our Otsego dental team. Early care leads to lifelong wellness!
wellness!
