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Infants to elderly, there's no age limit for airway disorders!!
Trying to figure out when and where to go for help, especially in an area with limited providers trained in airway assessment and treatment, creates a huge challenge for several patients.
For someone looking for answers to airway health concerns, it can be extremely overwhelming, especially because we're talking about restricted breathing and impaired growth and development.
As recommended by the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, babies should have their first dental examination by 12 months of age. Even so, providers trained in airway health have a strong focus on early intervention, and many myofunctional therapists will evaluate newborns and infants, especially if they're struggling with feeding, sleeping, colic, and/or acid reflux.
Please note, however, that myofunctional therapy is not feeding therapy, so a referral to another provider may be necessary for comprehensive treatment based on each patient's needs no matter their age.
What to Look For
Before seeking help, it's important to understand what symptoms to look for, have an understanding of risk factors that could be causing dysfunction, and be informed of what could happen if no intervention is done.
Common symptoms
Mouth breathing
Snoring
Drooling
Bedwetting
Thumb sucking
Frequent nighttime wakings
High rate of cavities
Orthodontic relapse
Crowded teeth
Tongue thrust
Headaches
Clenching
Grinding
Lockjaw
TMJ (jaw) pain
Fractured teeth
Neck tension
Fatigue
Night terrors
Chronic allergies
Nasal congestion
Poor, restless sleep
ADD/ADHD-type behavior
Poor concentration
Tinnitus (ringing ears)
Ear infections
Ear tubes
Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Speech problems
Behavioral issues
Chronic bloating
GI issues
Insulin resistance & weight gain
Anxiety & depression
As you can see, identifying orofacial myofunctional disorders is multifactorial and presents in many different ways, which is why it's best to get an evaluation done by a provider with specific training in airway health.
Risk Factors
Genetics - cleft palate, craniofacial abnormalities, syndromes
Obstructed nasal passages - deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, chronic congestion, elongated soft palate, polyps,
Tethered oral tissues - tinge and/or lip ties
Low tongue posture - mouth breathing, narrow dental arches, tooth crowding
Non-nutritive sucking habits - thumb/finger sucking, pacifier
Facial injury or trauma
Environment - allergies, smoke (tobacco or otherwise), pet dander
Lifestyle - lack of exercise, poor diet, chronic stress, insufficient sleep
For someone living with chronic airway restriction and/or orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), their bodies are unable to reach a state of rest where healing and growth occur. Read more here on the systemic impacts of poor airway health.
Because airway restriction and OMDs have such a large and persistent impact on whole-body health, it's important to identify risk factors and seek help early, even if it's just "small" or limited symptoms that are present.
Early intervention is key.
However, if you're starting your airway journey "late to the game," there are likely still options! Find a provider that's trained, compassionate, and listens to your concerns.
What happens with no intervention?
Being that several systems within the human body are greatly impacted by airway restriction, there are several possible outcomes if it goes untreated long-term.
Physical health implications - frequent infections, malnutrition, nervous system dysregulation, and overall disrupted bodily functions
Oral health implications - dry mouth, increased cavities, and gum disease & inflammation are almost unavoidable with chronic mouth breathing
Mental health implications - poor sleep often leads to mood disturbances, forgetfulness, stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and more
Quality of life - living in a chronic state of fight-or-flight will never allow an individual to live a calm, regulated life and may lead to chronic pain and fatigue syndromes
Check out my other blog posts for more about what lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your risk and what medical interventions are available for treatment options.
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise regularly
No tobacco use
Manage a healthy diet
Maintain regular nasal and sinus check-ups
Allergy management
Medical Intervention
Below are some common treatment options for chronic airway disorders that are frequently used in airway management.
Surgical interventions - orthognathic surgery, tonsil and adenoid removal, nasal turbinate reduction, repair of deviated septum
Sleep-assistance machines - CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines
Oral appliances - Mandibular advancement device (MAD), VIVOS therapeutics, ToothPillow, HealthyStart, and more
*This is not a medical recommendation or a claim about what treatment is best. Each person should seek individualized care from trained providers to figure out what best fits their needs and goals.
Community Support
Connecting with others who are also dealing with airway restrictions or OMDs can offer emotional support and practical advice. You could even pick up a strategy or two for dealing with the challenges these conditions throw your way.
For anyone going through an airway journey, remember that you are not alone!
If you would like to start a discussion, share your story, or gain insight from others going through similar experiences, check out my forum and start chatting!
Find a provider
If any of the information shared in this post sounds familiar and you're ready to get started on your airway you're in the right place!
Although this is not a full list, this is a great place to start your search for an airway trained provider. Remember, not all providers have chosen to list themselves on these platforms, so make sure to check your area locally as well.
Talk soon,
Liz Laney, Myofunctional Therapist
*None of the information included in this post is intended to be medical advice. Please talk with your healthcare provider(s) before making lifestyle changes or starting/stopping any medications and/or diets.
Resources:
The information in this post is a general summary of what I have learned throughout several continuing education courses on myofunctional therapy and sleep-disordered breathing. If you would like more information on any topic within this post, please contact me directly.
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