American Association of Pediatric Dentists RECOGNIZES Airway Health as ESSENTIAL. By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia

In most children who are otherwise healthy, narrowing of the upper airway is due primarily to enlarged tonsils and adenoids.  However, children must be screened for signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing as inadequate airway size, inadequate neuromuscular tone of the airway muscles or both may contribute to unideal airway health.

The FAIREST 6 chart developed by the Breathe Institute is an excellent tool that can be used by dentists for children at all new patient exams and recalls.

Screening

• MOUTH BREATHING
• MENTALIS STRAIN
• TONSIL HYPERTROPHY
• ANKYLOGLOSSIA
• DENTAL WEAR
• NARROW PALATE

If two or more of these symptoms are noted, referral to a medical professional and/or an airway dentist is recommended to explore they physiology and anatomy of the airway and to assess the rehabilitation of the supporting muscles, especially the tongue.