Our bodies need the right amount of oxygen to properly function. It’s no secret we achieve this through breathing, but receiving the optimal level of oxygenation for our body’s cells to thrive is achieved through functional breathing. 

Of the estimated millions of people of all ages not experiencing functional breathing, known as disordered breathing, most suffer the inefficiency during sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is commonly undiagnosed, which is why one of our passions is airway-centric focused. 

These insufficiencies in a person’s airway not only disrupt functional breathing but can be a result of underdeveloped structures in the teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), face or airway.

For example, those with underdeveloped craniofacial structures might have a mouth that’s too small for their tongue, potentially causing an upper airway blockage when sleeping. When this occurs, functional breathing is restricted by the tongue collapsing against the soft palate, which causes the soft palate to collapse against the throat. 

Did you know?
A large number of severe SDB cases remain undiagnosed. 

 

Other Common Symptoms of Disordered Breathing

 

• Brain fog and daytime drowsiness or chronic fatigue

• Face, neck, shoulder and joint pain

• Forward head posture

• Headaches

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring

• Stress

• Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism

• Unexplained broken crowns or fractured teeth/tooth pain

• Weight gain

 

 
Common Health Issues Associated With Disordered Breathing

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• ADD and ADHD

• Anxiety

• Cardiovascular disease

• Chronic pain

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Hypothyroidism

• Memory problems

• Obesity  

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

• Periodontal (gum) disease

• Upper respiratory infections and chronic sinus infections

 

When left undiagnosed and/or untreated, disordered breathing will likely worsen over time with life-threatening results. A functional airway dentistry approach guided by professionals can significantly lessen the negative effects of disordered breathing to help achieve functional breathing. 

 
Airway-Centered Dentistry
Airway-centered dentistry is a comprehensive approach to restore functional breathing that is noninvasive. It works to achieve a higher level of functional breathing, so oxygen moves freely and silently through the nose when awake and sleeping. Restoring functional breathing starts by identifying the cause(s) of a person’s disordered breathing. 

 

Successful Airway-Centered Dentistry Benefits for Patients
Every person needs the proper amount of oxygen coursing through their system to help achieve healthy living. Floss Family Dentistry & Surgical Center patients benefit from our approach to applying airway-centered dentistry to improve functional breathing with an improved daily quality of life in many ways, including: 

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• Better posture 

• Cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal health improvement

• Energy, focus and mental acuity improvement

• Mood boost

• Pain relief

• Restorative sleep

• Snoring, teeth clenching and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is reduced or completely eliminated

• The appearance and alignment of teeth and dental arches  is enhanced 

• The improved ability to achieve and maintain a healthy weight

 

When to Consider Treatment for Potential Disordered Breathing
We encourage you or your loved one to consider an evaluation for disordered breathing if any of the mentioned symptoms affect the health and well-being of daily life.

 

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How Floss Family Dentistry & Surgical Center Restores Functional Breathing 

The team utilizes oral appliances to gradually expand the jaw and dental arches to better accommodate your tongue in an effort to reduce or prevent airway collapse during sleep in the young and growing patient. For our adult patients, we provide state of the art oral appliances to help stabilize the mandible and upper airway during sleep. This allows the airway to open up for better oxygen intake, thus improving the function of your body’s cells. This results in better sleep and better overall health. From our initial evaluation to customization, treatment and beyond, the desired result is positive improvement. 

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Next Steps 
Our team is well versed in treating disordered breathing with current airway-centered dentistry applications. Dr. Villafane works hand-in-hand with area sleep experts like those at Somnos Sleep Disorder Center to provide the very best care when it comes to sleep-disordered breathing. 

 

Seek to live  your healthiest life by calling today to learn more. 

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