Did you know that your airway can have a lot to do with what’s happening in your mouth? If your body has to work too hard to get oxygen, it can affect everything from how you sleep to how your mouth feels and functions.
Airway dentistry looks at what might be getting in the way of healthy breathing, like sinus blockages and tongue positioning. Then, the problem can be treated at the source in a way that supports overall health. That’s why airway is the A in Dr. Nammy’s AGES protocol.
The AGES protocol is an innovative methodology created by Dr. Nammy to look at the bigger picture when it comes to oral health. It doesn’t focus on just one thing like your airway; instead, it checks how your airway, mouth, gut, and glymphatic system all work together. Plus, it considers how your body uses energy and how your smile impacts overall function long-term.
Explore the complete AGES protocol here.
Understanding Your Airway
Breathing
Healthy breathing should happen through the nose and sinuses. This is because the nose acts like a filter to catch debris and toxins before they can reach the lungs. It also humidifies the air you breathe and helps create nitric oxide.
But when you breathe through your mouth, the air bypasses the nose entirely. Air goes directly into your throat, potentially causing issues like dry mouth and contributing to gum disease. Mouth breathing also plays a major role in sleep apnea.
Dr. Nammy uses the AGES protocol to determine if things like blocked sinuses, incorrect tongue placement, or a narrow jaw could be interfering with healthy nasal breathing.
Tongue Posture
Tongue posture is a major part of airway health. Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth when you are not speaking or eating. When the tongue rests low in the mouth or falls back during sleep, this reduces space in the airway.
Tongue posture can be affected by habit, jaw structure, muscle weakness, or a tongue tie. A tongue tie happens when the tissue under the tongue restricts movement. If the tongue cannot lift properly to the roof of the mouth, it might not be able to support healthy breathing patterns.
During an airway evaluation, Dr. Nammy assesses tongue mobility, strength, resting position, and how much room the tongue has in the mouth. She may recommend myofunctional therapy or a tongue tie release when appropriate.
Snoring
Even though snoring is common for many people, it shouldn’t be ignored. This can be an indicator that a person isn’t getting enough air when they sleep. Think of it this way: when the airway narrows, the tissues in the throat can vibrate as air passes through. That vibration creates the sound of snoring. Even mild snoring can mean that the body is working harder to breathe at night.
Dr. Nammy looks at snoring as an airway warning sign. Treatment shouldn’t just aim to quiet the sound but also to understand why the airway is restricted in the first place so the problem can be resolved at the source.
How Airway Problems Affect Inflammation, Sleep Quality, and Chronic Illness
Airway problems can place the body under stress, especially during sleep. Since this is exactly when your body is supposed to be recovering, you may not be getting the deep, restorative sleep you need. Poor sleep can affect nearly everything about your health, including:
- Energy levels
- Focus
- Mood
- Hormone balance
- Immune function
- Inflammation
- Aging
Airway problems often overlap with dental symptoms. For example, grinding may be the body’s attempt to open the airway during sleep. Or, gum inflammation may worsen when the mouth is dry and the oral microbiome becomes imbalanced. TMJ symptoms may develop when the jaw is under constant strain.
Treatments for Airway Concerns
At Green Dentistry, airway treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Nammy looks at your specific symptoms and airway anatomy to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Vivos
Vivos is a custom oral appliance for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring problems, or other breathing issues that occur during sleep. This device works to slowly change the upper jaw and palate to make the airway bigger over time. Unlike a CPAP machine that only improves breathing while it’s being used, the Vivos appliance aims to create lasting changes in the mouth structures that impact breathing.
Homeoblock
Homeoblock is another oral appliance Dr. Nammy may consider when recommending airway treatment. Compared to Vivos, Homeoblock may be a better choice when a patient needs more help with jaw development and facial balance.
Learn about Homeoblock treatment
Oasys
Oasys is an ideal choice for patients with sinus issues who may need help opening up the nasal passages. Instead of gradually changing the structure of the airway over time, this device provides more direct airflow support for immediate relief of symptoms.
During your evaluation, Dr. Nammy can determine whether OASYS, Vivos, Homeoblock, or another approach best matches the reason your airway is restricted.
What to Expect During an Airway Evaluation with Dr. Nammy
Your airway evaluation starts with the symptoms that brought you in. Dr. Nammy will ask about your health history and discuss any concerns you have, like:
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Dry mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Morning headaches
- Jaw tension
- Poor sleep
- Fatigue
Next, she looks for physical signs in the mouth, like:
- Worn teeth
- Gum recession
- Narrow palate
- Teeth crowding
- Tongue position
- Misaligned bite
- Dry tongue
A CBCT scan may also be used to get a three-dimensional view of your airway and sinus structure. Then, Dr. Nammy will review her findings and recommend a treatment plan.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Optimizing your airway and addressing breathing problems is one of the most effective ways to boost your overall health. Schedule an airway evaluation with Green Dentistry today to learn how airway dentistry can support your breathing and oral health. Call now at (415) 612-8930 or request an appointment online here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Dentistry
What are the other components of the AGES protocol?
The AGES protocol includes three other components. G stands for gums, gut, and glymphatic. This centers around how oral bacteria and gum inflammation can stress the rest of the body. E stands for Energy and how hidden oral problems can zap your energy away from the source. S stands for Sculpt, which looks at how cosmetic issues like facial structure and bite alignment affect the health of your mouth.
Read More
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
No. Snoring does not always mean you have sleep apnea, but it can be a sign that air is not moving freely while you sleep. Apnea may be more likely if you snore often or if your snoring is paired with gasping, morning headaches, and chronic fatigue.
Read More
Sleep Apnea: Warning Signs & Treatments That Work
The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation (Podcast)
Sleep Apnea – Your Sinus and Your Airway (Podcast)
Good and Bad Foods for Sleep Apnea (Podcast)
Can a tongue tie affect adults?
Yes. Tongue ties are often discussed in children, but adults can also have restricted tongue movement. A tongue tie may affect tongue posture, swallowing, speech, jaw tension, neck tension, and airway support. Dr. Nammy can evaluate whether restricted tongue movement may be part of your airway concerns.
Read More
Sleep Apnea – Your Tongue and Your Airway (Podcast)
Can airway problems cause teeth grinding?
They can be connected. In some cases, grinding may be the body’s way of trying to move the jaw and open the airway during sleep. That’s why Dr. Nammy does a full evaluation of your mouth and jaw during your appointment. If she notices signs of TMJ or tooth grinding, she can recommend the right treatment.
Read More
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