When your child struggles with restless sleep, frequent headaches, or unexplained behavioral challenges, the cause may be closer than you think. Airway issues in children often go undetected, yet they can affect everything from school performance to overall development. When children breathe through their mouths, grind their teeth at night, or struggle with disrupted sleep, they might not be behaviors that can be outgrown. They can signal potential airway problems that deserve evaluation.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we take a prevention-first approach to airway health. Our Westbury office offers comprehensive airway assessments and treatment options designed specifically for growing children. We understand how proper breathing affects your child’s quality of life, from their ability to focus in school to their mood throughout the day. Our team is dedicated to identifying airway concerns early and providing the support your family needs to address them effectively.
Understanding Airway Issues in Children
Many parents don’t realize their child has an airway problem until symptoms become severe. Children with airway restrictions may snore regularly, wake up frequently during the night, or complain of morning headaches. Some wet the bed well past toddlerhood or show signs of attention difficulties in school. Others breathe through their mouths consistently, which can lead to puffy gums and dry mouth even with good oral hygiene.
These symptoms point to a larger issue. When children can’t breathe properly through their noses, their bodies compensate in ways that affect their dental health and overall development. Mouth breathing changes the position of the tongue and jaw, potentially affecting facial growth. Poor sleep quality impacts behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we look at the complete picture of your child’s health, not just their teeth.
Our comprehensive services include detailed airway assessments starting from your child’s first visit. We believe catching these issues early gives your child the best chance for healthy development.
Our Airway Assessment Approach
During an airway evaluation at our Westbury office, we take time to understand your child’s unique situation. We begin with a thorough questionnaire about sleep patterns, breathing habits, and any behavioral concerns you’ve noticed. This helps us identify potential red flags before the clinical examination.
The assessment itself is gentle and child-friendly. We evaluate the size and position of your child’s tonsils and airway using the Mallampati and Brodsky scoring systems. We look for signs of mouth breathing, examine the teeth for wear patterns caused by grinding, and check the soft tissues for signs of inflammation. For anxious children, we offer nitrous oxide to help them feel comfortable during the evaluation. Our team uses motivational interviewing techniques to build trust with both you and your child.
We also provide take-home observation guides so you can monitor your child’s sleep patterns in their natural environment. Many parents find that watching their child sleep with specific criteria in mind reveals patterns they hadn’t noticed before.
Treatment Options and Support
Once we identify airway concerns, we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Our approach focuses on non-invasive solutions that support healthy development:
- Corrective mouth guards or night guards designed to address teeth grinding and support proper jaw positioning
- Sleep study referrals when we suspect obstructive sleep apnea
- Connections to ear, nose, and throat doctors for cases requiring tonsil evaluation
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as your child grows
- Education and support for the entire family
Every child receives individualized care based on their specific needs. Some children benefit from night guards to address grinding, while others need referrals to medical professionals for additional support. We coordinate with other healthcare providers to ensure your child receives comprehensive care.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Addressing airway issues during childhood offers significant long-term benefits. Proper breathing supports healthy facial development, improves sleep quality, and can prevent more serious problems down the road. Children who sleep well are better able to focus in school, regulate their emotions, and enjoy daily activities. Early intervention may also reduce the need for more intensive treatments later.
We recommend starting dental visits by age one or when the first tooth appears. This early relationship allows us to monitor your child’s development from the beginning and catch potential airway concerns before they escalate. Building this foundation of care gives your child the best opportunity for healthy growth.
Supporting Children With Special Needs
Our team understands that children with special healthcare needs may require extra consideration during airway assessments. We take time before each appointment to learn about your child’s specific sensitivities. Whether your child is sensitive to lights, textures, or touch, we adapt our approach to meet them where they are. Sedation options are available when needed to ensure a comfortable experience.
We believe every child deserves access to quality airway care, regardless of their unique challenges. Our gentle, patient-centered approach helps children with special needs receive the assessments they need in a supportive environment.
Experience Airway-Focused Care at Little Roots Pediatric Dental
Proper breathing is foundational to your child’s health and development. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we combine clinical knowledge with genuine compassion to provide airway-focused care for Long Island families. Dr. Sunaina Vohra, our board-eligible pediatric dentist, brings specialized training in airway dentistry to every assessment. Dr. Jessica Barzideh specializes in pediatric sleep apnea and understands firsthand the impact of sleep challenges on children and their families. Together, our team is dedicated to helping your child breathe more easily and thrive.
We’re not a high-volume practice that rushes through appointments. We take the time to get to know your family, answer your questions, and develop treatment plans that align with your values. Our prevention-first philosophy means we’re always looking ahead to support your child’s long-term health. If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing, sleep, or dental development, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how airway-focused care can make a difference in your child’s care.
