Kids' Airway Health

Most parents know to watch for cavities. But did you know that the way your child breathes can have just as much impact on their health and development as the condition of their teeth?

Dentists are often the first to spot the signs of airway problems, from narrow palates to mouth breathing and restricted tongue movement. At Parker Family Dentistry, our dentists take airway health seriously and make it a routine part of how we care for our young patients.

Signs Your Child May Have an Airway Problem

Childhood airway issues are easy to miss because the signs often look like something else. Talk to our dentists if your child:

• Breathes through their mouth regularly, especially during sleep
• Snores, gasps, or seems restless at night
• Wakes up tired despite a full night of sleep
• Has difficulty concentrating or sitting still
• Has a narrow jaw, crowded teeth, or a high, arched palate
• Has speech delays or difficulty making certain sounds
• Had difficulty breastfeeding as an infant

What We Look For

In addition to physical signs that suggest airway obstruction during sleep, our dentists examine:

• Palate shape and width
• Tongue size and position
• Jaw structure and bite relationship

If we find concerns, we will explain them clearly and refer your child to the right specialist, such as a pediatric sleep doctor or ENT, for further evaluation. 

A Note on Behavior and Focus

Sleep breathing disorders in children have been linked to behavioral issues and difficulty concentrating that mimic ADHD. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and you have questions, it may be worth an airway evaluation.

Tongue and Lip-Tie Evaluation

What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (frenulum) is too tight or short. A lip tie similarly restricts the movement of the upper lip.

Depending on age and severity, tongue and lip ties can affect:

• Breastfeeding in infants
• Speech development in toddlers and young children
• Jaw development and facial growth
• Airway function and breathing during sleep

When appropriate, our dentists perform a fairly common procedure called a frenectomy to free the restricted tissue. The process is quick and minimally invasive and typically takes just a few minutes.

Airway health rarely sits within one specialty alone. Our dentists work with pediatricians, sleep specialists, ENTs, and speech therapists to make sure your child gets complete, well-coordinated care.

Schedule an Airway Health Evaluation in Logansport, IN

If something about your child's breathing, sleep, or development has been on your mind, trust that instinct. Contact Parker Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Travis Parker or Dr. Esi Parker. We will take a careful look, share what we find, and help you determine the right next step for your child.