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Airway-Focused Dentistry

What is Airway-Focused Dentistry?

Airway-Focused Dentistry is an emerging field that recognizes the crucial role of the mouth's structure in breathing and overall health. The air we breathe is essential for our body's optimal functioning and well-being. As an airway-aware dental practice, we work to identify underdeveloped mouth and jaw structures, as well as recognize signs and symptoms that may indicate breathing or sleep disorders.


There is an intricate connection between oral health and systemic (whole body) health, and the profound impact that underdeveloped mouth and airway structures can have on the entire body. Proper breathing is vital for life, and inadequate oxygen supply can significantly affect overall health and quality of life. By adopting an airway-centered approach to dental care, our dental practice in Marrero can identify the root structural cause of sleep or airway issues and effectively alleviate symptoms.

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Disordered Breathing and Sleep-Related Disorders

Disordered breathing typically becomes more prominent during sleep, often leading to undiagnosed cases of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).


Sleep-related breathing disorders encompass various conditions characterized by abnormal or challenging respiration during sleep, ranging in severity.

Common Types of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders include:

  • Central Sleep Apnea: In this condition, breathing repeatedly stops or decreases during sleep in a cyclical pattern.
  • Snoring: The loud noise occurs when airflow causes the tissues in the back of the throat to vibrate while sleeping.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The airway experiences blockages, leading to periods of interrupted breathing during sleep.
  • Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS): The airway narrows, causing disruptions in sleep.
  • Snoring is a prevalent early warning sign of sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders. While snoring is common, it should not be considered normal. The person snoring is often unaware of the occurrence, but it can disturb their partner's sleep and indicate potential health risks.
Additional Symptoms of Sleep-Related Disordered Breathing:
  • Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
  • Mouth breathing
  • Unusual wear on teeth's biting surfaces
  • Unexplained broken crowns or fractured teeth
  • Headaches
  • Stress
  • Brain fog
  • Forward head posture
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Face, neck, shoulder, or joint pain
  • Waking up at night gasping for air
  • Dry mouth upon waking up
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Extended night time bedwetting
  • Erectile dysfunction
Common Health Issues Associated with Disordered Breathing:
  • Anxiety
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD)
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Gum disease
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Chronic pain
  • Cardiovascular disease

Restoring Functional Breathing for Improved Health

Functional breathing refers to the smooth and unobstructed airflow through the nose, allowing for optimal oxygen intake without any hindrances.


However, underdeveloped oral structures can often lead to limited space for the tongue, resulting in breathing difficulties. When the tongue cannot fit properly or rest at the roof of the mouth, it can obstruct the airway, especially during sleep when muscles relax and gravity takes effect.

Top dentist seeking with patient about our home sleep studies for sleep apnea patients in Marrero LA

Learn about the HealthyStart® System?

The HealthyStart® System offers a non-invasive, pain-free solution for opening the airway and aligning teeth, all without the need for braces or pharmaceutical interventions.


With 54 years of research and experience backing it, HealthyStart® has successfully treated over 4 million children worldwide.

Learn More
Child smiling after Healthy Start System | Marrero Pediatric Dentist
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Dr. Andreotta can address this issue through dental appliance therapy. This process focuses on promoting optimal growth of the jaws, creating sufficient room for the tongue to reach its natural resting position. By expanding the upper palate (maxillary) and nasal region, the volume of the upper airway increases, effectively opening the airways and eliminating obstructions. This restoration of functional breathing brings about a multitude of health benefits, significantly enhancing your daily quality of life and ensuring a healthy oxygen flow throughout your body.

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