Airway

With the exception of breathing disorders, people don't generally think about the efficiency of their breathing. You know that breath is vital for life to supply oxygen to your body and organs. But how do you know if your breathing is providing a sufficient amount of oxygen? 

The rate and volume of breath has significant impact on your body's function. When you breathe through your mouth, over-breathe, or take shallow breaths, the body's ability to oxygenate and provide proper blood flow to the heart and other vital organs and muscles is put at risk. Proper breathing is one of the most important things you can do for your health—yet an estimated 30-40% of the population mouth-breathes!

At Epic Dentistry, we take an airway centered approach to dentistry. Many of the dental concerns our patients come in to treat (such as crooked or crowded teeth, jaw pain, and gummy smile) are symptoms of an airway and breathing issue. Establishing the airway with proper breathing and nasal hygiene allows us to treat the root cause first. The symptoms then either resolve themselves, or Dr. Caulfield will do minor ortho work to put the finishing touch on your smile. The result: straight teeth, a gorgeous smile, and because the root cause was addressed, you can be assured your smile will last! 

How can a dentist help with airway issues? WATCH VIDEO

These before and after pictures show the increase in airway volume following 15 months of oral appliance treatment with Epic Dentistry. This patient experienced a 71% increase in upper airway volume—and a follow-up sleep study proves they are sleeping and breathing better!