Airway-Centered Dentistry

What is Airway-Centered Dentistry?

Airway-Centered Dentistry is a new and growing field that’s focused on the structure of the mouth, health and function of the airways as it facilitates normal breathing. Improper tongue position leads to bite problems and underdeveloped jaw structures which then can lead to airway restriction, sleep and TMJ disorders.

The air supplies the oxygen your body needs to survive, thrive, and function optimally. Sleep breathing related issues have been identified as underlying causes of many symptoms affecting the quality of life in both children and adults.

An airway-aware dentist knows how to identify underdevelopment of the mouth and jaws, as well as what signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate a breathing or sleep disorder. An airway-aware dentist understands and respects the relationship between oral health and systemic health, and how underdeveloped mouth and airway structures can wreak havoc throughout the body.

Breathing is life, and not getting enough oxygen can be detrimental to overall health and quality of life. By using the airway-centered approach to dental care, an airway dentist can identify the underlying structural cause of a sleep or airway issue and resolve the problem.

At Impact Sleep Dentistry, Dr. Melika Kashkouli takes a comprehensive approach to dental care. Beyond general dentistry, she understands the relationship between dental health, tongue position and swallow function, joint health, muscle function, occlusion, breathing, posture and many other factors which can lead to many systemic issues.