What Is Airway Dentistry—and Why Does It Matter?
by Acacia ElmerAt Wisconsin Tongue Tie Institute, we talk a lot about breathing, sleeping, feeding, and function. One key piece that ties all of this together is something called airway dentistry. But what exactly is that?
Airway dentistry looks beyond the teeth to focus on how a person breathes. Instead of just checking for cavities or straight teeth, airway-focused providers ask:
- Is this child breathing through their nose or mouth?
- Are they sleeping well?
- Is there evidence of tongue tie, mouth breathing, or crowded teeth that may be affecting the airway?
This approach recognizes that the shape of the mouth, jaw, and tongue all play a role in how well someone can breathe—especially during sleep.
Why Does This Matter for Children?
If a child isn’t breathing well at night, it can show up in ways you wouldn’t expect:
– Restless sleep or snoring
– Mouth breathing
– Difficulty focusing or behavioral concerns
– Feeding struggles
– Crowded teeth or speech delays
That’s why we screen every patient for signs of sleep-disordered breathing and airway dysfunction. Addressing these concerns early can improve not just dental health—but a child’s overall well-being and development.
How We Help
We work closely with families to build a plan that supports each child’s needs. Whether it’s a tongue tie release, expansion of the palate, habit correction, or therapy we’re here to walk alongside you.
Airway dentistry is one more way we stay focused on the whole child—not just their teeth.
If you have questions about how your child is sleeping, breathing, or feeding please call us at 920-336-6594 and select option 2.
