When you aren’t breathing the way you should, it can disrupt your life in several ways. To breathe correctly, you must have an open airway, good oral health, and adequately functioning jaw joints. A new and growing field known as airway dentistry focuses on how your mouth’s structures can affect your breathing. So, what does an airway dentist do? Keep reading to learn more.
Signs of an Airway Disorder
If you or a loved one has any of the following sleep-disordered breathing symptoms, contact our dental office for an airway screening:
- Chronic tiredness
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Daytime grogginess
- Difficulty focusing
- Snoring
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Gasping or choking during sleep
If you need treatment, we can create a customized plan to fit your needs.
What Does an Airway Dentist Do?
To begin with, your Oakbrook Terrace airway dentist conducts airway health screenings to determine your ability to breathe correctly. They look for the following signs of airway disorders:
- Tooth wear
- Tongue positioning
- Soft tissue concerns
Diagnosing these issues early can help you avoid further health problems later.
Treatment for Airway Disorders
To improve your breathing, your dentist may recommend any of the following treatment options:
CPAP – If your dentist suspects you have sleep apnea, they will refer you to an ENT for CPAP therapy. Our dental office works closely with a local hospital and ENT to help our patients get the treatment they need to breathe better.
Invisalign and expansion devices – We use clear aligners and expansion devices to open your nasal passage and oral airway, allowing air to flow more easily.
Are You Looking for an Airway Dentist in Oakbrook Terrace, IL?
If you are searching for an “airway dentist near me,” and you live in Oakbrook Terrace or the surrounding area, look no further than George Rivera, DDS. Our dental team can help diagnose and treat your breathing disorder. If we aren’t equipped to treat your breathing issue, we can refer you to an ENT who will work with you to relieve your symptoms. You can contact our dental office at (630) 592-4949.
We look forward to hearing from you.