At Smileworks, we believe that oral health is about more than just teeth. It’s about how you breathe, how you sleep, and how those two functions impact your overall well-being. That’s why we offer airway-focused evaluations and sleep-related dental care as part of our commitment to whole-body health.

If you or your child experiences poor sleep, snoring, fatigue, or signs of mouth breathing, the root cause may lie in the airway. Understanding and treating these concerns through airway and sleep medicine can dramatically improve your quality of life.

What Is Airway and Sleep Medicine?

Airway and sleep medicine is a field that addresses breathing disturbances that occur during sleep. These disturbances can significantly affect both physical and mental health and often go undiagnosed.

Some of the most common sleep-related breathing disorders include:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Snoring
• Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
• Sleep-disordered breathing in children

These conditions occur when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, reducing airflow to the lungs and disrupting restful sleep.

The Dental Connection to Sleep and Breathing

Many people are surprised to learn that dentists can play a key role in identifying and managing sleep-related breathing disorders. At Smileworks, our team is trained to recognize oral signs that may point to airway issues, including:

• A narrow palate or an underdeveloped jaw
• Mouth breathing and tongue posture issues
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (in children)
• A scalloped tongue or worn-down teeth

Since these indicators can be easily detected during routine dental exams, we are often among the first to spot potential concerns.

Signs You May Have an Airway or Sleep Issue

In Adults:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Morning headaches
• Mood changes or irritability

In Children:

• Restless sleep or bedwetting
• Snoring or noisy breathing at night
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Trouble focusing in school
• Hyperactivity or behavioral concerns
• Delayed growth or development

Early diagnosis and intervention can have a lasting positive effect on health, development, and quality of life—especially in children.

Our Approach at Smileworks

At Smileworks, we take a comprehensive and compassionate approach to airway and sleep health. If we suspect you or your child may be experiencing sleep-disordered breathing, we can perform a detailed evaluation and collaborate with medical professionals as needed to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Our Airway & Sleep Services May Include:

• Digital scans and airway analysis
• Oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea
• Pediatric growth and development assessments
• Collaborative care with ENT specialists and sleep physicians
• Education on myofunctional therapy and habit correction
• Orthodontic guidance to support proper jaw and facial development

Why Early Intervention Matters

Addressing airway issues early—especially in childhood—can prevent complications later in life, including:

• Orthodontic problems
• Speech and feeding issues
• Behavioral challenges
• Chronic fatigue and poor academic performance

For adults, managing airway-related sleep disorders can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Better Breathing Starts Here

Your airway health is a critical part of your overall wellness. At Smileworks, we are proud to offer airway and sleep medicine evaluations for children and adults. If you or a loved one experiences disrupted sleep or signs of airway problems, we’re here to help.