Almost everyone exclusively associates orthodontics with dental procedures and the health of the teeth. However, this school of medicine can have far-reaching impacts that go far beyond just the health of these areas of the body. Below, we cover how orthodontics can improve breathing.
One such example is that orthodontists can positively impact one’s respiratory health as well. This is due to the fact that one’s nostrils, mouth, and throat are all interconnected and that the health of one of these inevitably impacts the health of the other.
How Orthodontics Can Improve Breathing
If you’re interested in how these dynamics play out, then take a look at this review of how these systems of the body influence each other.
Ear, Nose, and Throat
The above areas of the body are often grouped together in medicine. This is because all of these orifices are connected, and the wellness of one influences the other.
If you’re suffering from blockages in your nasal cavities, this can impact the ease of your breathing. Certain dysfunctions in one’s dental health, such as jaw shape and the shape of one’s teeth, can influence these areas of your health.
If you have issues with your orthodontics, there’s a very strong chance that this will somehow impact your ability to breathe properly. This is why it’s important to address these kinds of issues sooner rather than later.
The Importance of Nasal Breathing
There is a very wide body of evidence to suggest that nasal breathing is ultimately healthier for you than breathing from the mouth. In early stages of development, breathing through the nose allows a patient’s tongue to be positioned at the roof of the mouth. This ultimately is considered to be the normal way for one to position their tongue.
One’s jaw can expand to its natural shape and position when this is achieved. This can have lasting impacts on one’s orthodontic health moving forward in life. On the contrary, mouth breathing in childhood can have a negative impact on one’s overall nasal health by contracting both the shape of the jaw and the areas that influence it.
Orthodontists can utilize X-rays to observe the shape of one’s jaw and nasal passages to observe whether or not any nasal contraction is taking place. From here, they can determine whether or not utilizing orthodontic procedures can help your respiratory health.
Consequences of Constricted Nasal Passages
There are many negative consequences to constricted breathing throughout life. One’s physical well-being and ability to perform basic tasks are profoundly impacted by one’s ability to breathe properly.
Some of the negative consequences of constricted nasal passageways include the following:
- Waking frequently in the night
- Snoring
- Bedwetting
- Fatigue in the morning
- Difficulty focusing at school
- ADHD
All of these elements can have negative impacts on one’s quality of life moving forward. Addressing them early on can give one an edge in preventing their severity from increasing.
Arch Expansion
One of the most common ways that an orthodontist can try to positively impact one’s respiratory health through orthodontics is through a procedure called arch expansion.
During this treatment, an orthodontist utilizes the various tools available to them to attempt to expand the width of a patient’s jaw, especially if they have an overly contracted one. This ultimately can lead to a higher ease of breathing if the procedure is successful.
Arch expansion can be applied to both a patient’s upper or lower jaw, depending on the exact situation of the patient. Should the situation call for it, it can also be applied to both jaws of the patient. In addition, orthodontists are able to reposition the backward/forward position of one’s jaw. This can also have a massive impact on one’s ability to breathe.
Overall, you’ll be able to discuss with your orthodontist what the right procedure is for your particular situation during a consultation. During this consultation, the right path forward for you and your oral health will be determined.
Orthodontists likely will not be able to solve all of your breathing problems. But they can play a major part in improving this aspect of one’s oral health along with other kinds of specialists, such as speech pathologists and myofunctional therapists. They may be able to refer you to further treatment as well.
The Trusted Orthodontist of Tarzana
Dr. Derentz and Dr. Ambaram routinely deliver the best oral health care possible to the residents of Tarzana and beyond. If you’re interested in talking with one of us about whether or not airway orthodontics could help your own breathing situation, contact us today in order to schedule an appointment.