Airway & Sleep Apnoea

Airway Assessment & Sleep Health

Airway health plays a vital role in overall wellbeing. Issues with the airway can impact sleep quality, breathing, oxygen levels, and even long-term health. At our practice, we assess airway function as part of a comprehensive approach to dental care—helping to identify concerns early and guide appropriate treatment.

Why Airway Health Matters

An unhealthy airway can contribute to:

• • • Fatigue and Poor Sleep – Waking up tired despite a full night’s rest

    • Reduced Oxygen Intake – Placing stress on the body over time

    • Difficulty Concentrating – Brain fog, poor focus, and low productivity

    • Children’s Growth and Behaviour – Affecting development and learning

    • Long-Term Health Risks – Linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes

Early identification allows for timely intervention and better health outcomes.

The Importance of Nasal Breathing

• • • Breathing through the nose supports optimal health by:

      • Filtering, warming, and humidifying incoming air

      • Improving oxygen absorption and delivery throughout the body

      • Encouraging proper tongue posture and healthy jaw development

      • Promoting calm, efficient breathing patterns

    • In contrast, mouth breathing may contribute to:

      • Altered facial growth and jaw development

      • Sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality

      • Speech and swallowing difficulties

      • Poor posture and overall airway dysfunction

Airway Concerns in Children

Children are particularly sensitive to airway issues due to their developing facial structures. Untreated concerns may result in:

• • • Crowded or misaligned teeth: Often a sign of limited jaw space, making cleaning harder and increasing risk of decay and gum issues.

    • Narrow dental arches: Restrict tongue space and can contribute to compromised breathing and airway function.

    • Poor facial development: Underdeveloped jaws may result from improper oral posture or mouth breathing, affecting both function and appearance.

    • Sleep disturbances: Airway restriction can lead to disrupted sleep, snoring, or reduced sleep quality.

    • Behavioural or learning difficulties: Poor sleep and oxygen intake may impact focus, mood, and cognitive development, especially in children.

Early assessment is key to supporting healthy growth and development.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

In adults, airway obstruction during sleep can lead to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition associated with:

• • • Snoring and disrupted sleep – Loud or irregular snoring often signals poor airflow and interrupts restorative sleep.

    • Pauses in breathing – Temporary breathing stops (apnoeas) can reduce oxygen levels and strain the cardiovascular system.

    • Daytime fatigue – Poor sleep quality leads to tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and reduced alertness during the day.

    • Morning headaches – Low oxygen and tension from disrupted sleep can cause headaches upon waking.

If left untreated, OSA may increase the risk of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.

Signs We Look For

During your examination, we may look for signs that can affect your breathing and oral health, such as:

• • • Dry mouth – which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems

    • Teeth grinding (bruxism) – often linked to sleep disruption or stress

    • Scalloped tongue – a possible sign of tongue pressure against the teeth
    • Enlarged tonsils – which can obstruct airflow and affect sleep
    • Narrow dental arches or high palate – affecting jaw development and airway space
    • Tongue-tie – which can influence tongue movement and oral function
    • Mouth breathing habits – impacting facial growth, sleep quality, and overall health

Treatment & Management Options

Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

Orthodontic Solutions
Expanding the dental arches to create more space for proper tongue posture and improved airflow.

Myofunctional Therapy
Exercises to retrain oral and facial muscles, supporting nasal breathing and airway stability.

Frenectomy
A simple procedure to improve tongue mobility and function where restrictions are present.

Oral Sleep Appliances
Custom devices designed to support the airway during sleep and reduce snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnoea.

Lifestyle & Medical Support
We may also recommend:

• • • Sleep studies for diagnosis

    • Referral to medical specialists (GP, ENT, sleep physician)

    • Management of allergies or nasal congestion

    • Guidance on sleep hygiene and lifestyle factors

For more information please send us a message or call 02 9773 9132.