Signs of airway breathing issues may include, but are not limited to:Common Conditions Linked to (or that Cause) Airway Breathing Issues
Most of the airway issues we diagnose and treat deal with anatomical anomalies caused by the following issues:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing multiple times during the night. Without a diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, weight gain, and high blood pressure.
Signs of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes
Without treatment, sleep apnea presents a serious health risk.
TMJ
TMJ refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joints, which connect your lower jaw to your skull. When these joints are inflamed or compromised, you may hear a popping sound when opening and closing your mouth, jaw locking, and head, neck, ear, and shoulder pain. If TMJ is related to bruxism (teeth grinding), you may also experience tooth wear, tooth decay, and fractures.
Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontic issues are not always obvious. Bite alignment issues or a narrow arch may not be immediately noticeable. However, specific orthodontic problems contribute to TMJ, bruxism, mouth breathing, tooth fractures, and decay. Alignment issues can lead to airway breathing disorders.
Anatomical Issues
Anatomical abnormalities may be present at all times. However, in conditions like sleep apnea, the tissues collapse over the airway during sleep, leading to recurring episodes of breathing cessation.
After a comprehensive consultation and potential diagnosis, your dentist creates a personalized treatment plan specifically tailored to you.