Pediatric Airway Dentistryin Fairfax and Northern Virginia
No parent wants to watch their child struggle to breathe. We're right by your side to address the issue and ensure your little one can inhale, exhale, and smile with ease.
Why might my child need airway dentistry?
If your child is struggling with a compromised airway, they may not be getting enough oxygen. When your child's breathing is restricted, the body begins to think it is choking, which can cause serious symptoms. Lower oxygen levels, higher heart rate, and higher blood pressure are just a few of the many detrimental issues that could negatively impact your child's overall health. Our team will work with your child to improve their oral muscle function with lifestyle changes and corrective breathing habits. We may even provide dental appliances to help your child open the airway, allowing it to develop to its full potential. It's our goal to address the root of the issue so they can breathe with ease and go back to just being a kid.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie
While every child and family experience is unique, the following symptoms are commonly seen in infants, children, and nursing mothers when a tongue or lip tie is present.
Infant and Child Symptoms
Difficulty with nursing or latching
Feeding frustration or prolonged feeding times
Speech delays or speech articulation problems
Persistent migraines or headaches (in older children)
Cavities, gum disease, bad breath, or other oral health issues
Difficulty maintaining proper dental hygiene
Trouble chewing age-appropriate solid foods
Avoidance of solid foods or preference for very soft foods
Gagging, choking, or vomiting with certain foods
Eating very small amounts or holding food in the mouth
Consistent dribbling or excessive drooling
Nursing Mother’s Symptoms
Pain during breastfeeding
Creased, flattened, or blanched nipples after nursing
Lipstick-shaped nipples
Blistered or cracked nipples
Poor or incomplete breast drainage
Decreased milk supply
Plugged ducts, breast engorgement, or mastitis
Nipple thrush
Baby consistently preferring one breast over the other
Signs & Symptoms Your Child May Need Airway Dentistry
Children don’t always outgrow breathing problems — many signs are subtle and show up as behavior, sleep issues, or facial development changes. Airway dentistry focuses on identifying these early so your child can breathe, sleep, and grow properly.
Mouth breathing (day or night)
Snoring or noisy sleep
Restless sleep or frequent waking
Dark circles under the eyes
Teeth grinding or clenching
Bedwetting beyond toddler years
Daytime fatigue or behavior issues
Trouble focusing or learning difficulties
Narrow jaw, crowded teeth, or high palate
Frequent congestion, sore throats, or enlarged tonsils
The Benefits of Airway Dentistry
Promotes Healthy Development
Airway treatment can improve your child's posture, energy levels, breathing habits, and so much more.
Prevents Further Issues
Moderate or even severe airway issues at a young age can be improved with minimal treatment. This has the potential to prevent years of oral health issues as they grow up.
Helps Your Child Sleep & Breathe with Ease
When your child's airway is clean and properly aligned, their ability to breathe with ease and sleep through the night can significantly improve.
Our Difference
Expert Referral Partners
When it comes to their oral health, your child deserves the best! That's why we partner with top-notch providers in the area to ensure your little one receives expert care.
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
The Airway Dentistry Treatment Process
Consultation
First, the dentist will have a conversation with you about your child's overall sleeping habits, breathing patterns, and other symptoms. They'll also take a look at your child’s medical history and examine their breathing, along with their teeth, gums, mouth, and throat.
Treatment Plan
Depending on your child's unique condition, your dentist will recommend a personalized airway treatment plan. This could include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or even a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine during sleep. Regardless of their recommendation, the dentist will walk you and your child through every step of the plan to make sure you fully understand the process and how it will positively impact your child's overall health.
Follow Ups & Referrals
The dentist will continue to encourage frequent follow up appointments to ensure your child's personalized treatment plan is improving their airway health. To guarantee that your child receives the best possible care, referrals may be made to other providers.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
If these abnormal conditions are left untreated in children, by the time they are fully grown, there is little that can be done to correct their breathing. Eventually, many of these children will grow into adults with SBD, who may eventually require CPAP machines to obtain the oxygen they need at night – all because their airways were never allowed to fully develop.
When your child's airway is impacted, the body begins to react in a variety of ways. Some common obstructive airway symptoms include:- ADD/ADHD, difficulty in school, and/or aggressive behavior- Bedwetting- Snoring- Difficulty sleeping - Daytime drowsiness- Mouth breathing- Chronic allergies- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids - Tooth decay- Crowded or crooked teeth- Overbite- Teeth grindingRest assured that our team is fully equipped to address any of your child's unique symptoms with personalized care. If we believe that your child could benefit from an additional provider's expertise, we will make the appropriate referral to ensure your child gets the treatment they deserve.
