Airway Obstruction. Part 3

Airway obstruction can cause breathing disorders, and craniofacial deformation ( Face doesn't grow symmetrically) and malocclusion ( teeth don't meet just right). Upper airway obstruction can be subtle in children, but it can have long term consequences including failure to thrive, behavioral disturbances, developmental delay, sleep disorders and cor pulmonale ( disease of the lung).
Airway obstruction can occur for a variety of reasons, including congenital abnormality, adenoid hypertrophy ( enlarged adenoids), tonsil hypertrophy ( big tonsils), retruded maxilla ( over-bite)[Figure #1], retruded mandible ( under-bite) [Figure #2]. Obesity increases any present airway obstruction as the tongue, uvula and throat tissues enlarge.
Nasal obstruction, in particular, is a key villain and cause of abnormal growth and development of the face, jaws and dentition [Figure #3]. Nasal obstruction has been linked to a variety of lifelong health disorders including hypertension, stroke, heart disease and even premature death.

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Any airway obstruction can chronically affect life and even be life threatening. But nasal airway obstruction is a primary cause of chronic obligate mouth breathing, which can be so dangerous. Fortunately, certain dental treatments can increase nasal breathing and decrease mouth breathing.
If you are your child has dark rings under your eyes, forward head posture and slumping shoulders please call my office for a full evaluation and Correction. The earlier the better.
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