Children and Sleep Disordered Breathing

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Dr. Erin Elliott

I assess breathing. Everyday. Every hygiene patient—adult and child. I call it an “airway exam.” So, when I ask parents of young children how they breathe—through their nose or mouth–most of the time they give me a funny look. I’m sure they are thinking, “What does breathing have to do with my kids teeth?” Breathing … Continue reading Children and Sleep Disordered Breathing

Mouth Breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Posted on by Dr. Erin Elliott

The normal “mode of breathing” is through the nose. However, many people breathe through their mouth. The primary reason is because of nasal congestion. This could be due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, inflammation or some kind of physical obstruction (polyps, deviated septum, or trauma). Another explanation could be from a “habit” often stemming from early … Continue reading Mouth Breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea