Supporting Better Breathing for Better Health
At My Dentist, we know that oral health is about more than teeth and gums — it’s about how well you breathe, especially during sleep. That’s why we integrate airway and sleep assessments into our dental care.
Good airway function is essential for quality sleep, energy levels, and long-term wellbeing. Problems with sleep or breathing can affect both your oral health and your overall health.
Why Airway Health Matters
Your mouth, jaws, tongue, and airway are part of a connected system. When airflow is compromised, it can contribute to:
- Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
- Mouth breathing habits
- Dry mouth and increased cavity risk
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw tension and TMJ discomfort
- Fatigue and poor sleep quality
As dentists, we are uniquely positioned to screen for signs of airway concerns and help guide you to appropriate care.
Our Approach to Sleep & Airway Health
At My Dentist, airway health is part of every comprehensive exam. Our assessment may include:
- Airway Screening – Checking breathing patterns, oral posture, and potential obstructions.
- Sleep Health History – Understanding snoring, fatigue, and sleep quality.
- Jaw & Tongue Function Assessments – Evaluating alignment and posture that influence breathing.
- Collaboration with Sleep Specialists – Referrals to GPs, ENTs, or sleep physicians for formal diagnosis (e.g., sleep studies).
Common Conditions We Screen For
While dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnoea, we can identify potential concerns and refer you for further testing if needed. We commonly screen for:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) - [link to Sleep Apnoea page]
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
- Paediatric Airway Concerns – e.g., mouth breathing or narrow arches
- Habitual Snoring
- Sleep Bruxism – often linked to airway compromise
How This Relates to Oral Health
- Tooth wear and fractures from clenching/grinding
- Gum problems linked to chronic mouth breathing
- Facial and jaw development changes in children
- Ongoing fatigue that slows healing and impacts overall wellbeing
Treatment Options & Collaborative Care
Treatment depends on medical diagnosis, but supportive dental interventions may include:
- Custom Oral Appliances - (in consultation with a sleep physician)
- Myofunctional Therapy Referrals – tongue and airway muscle training
- Orthodontic/Arch Development Assessments – especially in children
- Habit Correction – support for nasal breathing and posture
Our goal is early identification, prevention, and collaboration with other health professionals to improve your overall quality of life.
Our Philosophy
Book a Sleep & Airway Health Assessment
Book a Sleep & Airway Health Assessment
Why does a dentist care about sleep or breathing?
What are the signs of airway issues?
Can you diagnose sleep apnoea?
Is bruxism (teeth grinding) related to sleep issues?
Do you provide treatment for sleep-related issues?
Is this relevant for children as well?
Frequently Asked Questions