What Does an Airway Dentist for Kids Actually Do?
When most parents think of taking their child to the dentist, they picture cleanings, cavity checks, and advice about brushing and flossing. Those things are important, but an airway dentist takes pediatric dentistry a step further—focusing not just on teeth, but on how a child breathes and grows.
Breathing may not be the first thing you connect with dentistry, yet it plays a huge role in your child’s health. An airway dentist is trained to identify and treat issues that affect proper breathing, sleep, and overall development.
What an Airway Dentist Looks For
Airway-focused dentistry means looking beyond the surface. During an exam, an airway dentist will assess:
Mouth breathing: Children who breathe through their mouths may have narrower jaws, crowded teeth, or difficulty getting restful sleep.
Tongue and lip ties: Oral restrictions can interfere with nursing, swallowing, and tongue posture—key factors in airway growth.
Sleep-disordered breathing: Signs like snoring, bedwetting, or restless sleep may point to airway restriction.
Facial growth and jaw development: The way the bones grow can influence how much space the airway has for easy breathing.
What an Airway Dentist Actually Does
Once concerns are identified, the dentist works to create a plan tailored to your child. This may include:
Collaboration with specialists such as ENTs, orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, lactation consultants, or speech therapists.
Growth guidance treatments to encourage wider dental arches and better airway space.
Releasing tongue or lip ties when needed, allowing for improved function and development.
Supporting healthy oral habits like nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and correct swallowing.
Why It Matters
Breathing well is the foundation for thriving. When a child’s airway is compromised, it can lead to sleep struggles, behavioral challenges, learning difficulties, and even long-term dental or orthodontic issues. By addressing airway health early, an airway dentist helps children grow with better sleep, stronger health, and brighter smiles.
Schedule an Airway Evaluation
At the Oral Tie Center, Dr. Brian Hatch is passionate about helping children breathe, sleep, and grow their best. If you’ve noticed signs of mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, or feeding challenges in your child, it may be time for an airway evaluation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your child’s health from the inside out.
