Airway Centered Dentistry
Sleep Easier, Live Better
Oxygen is life. When your body is not receiving sufficient oxygen, your body enters a perpetual state of “fight or flight” and reacts by putting pressures on other body systems, that can directly affect your entire body. Approximately 2 million people are diagnosed annually with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and it is estimated that 40% of the adult population in the US suffers from sleep disorders.
An alarming 75% of severe sleep disorders go undiagnosed!
Airway Centered Dentistry
Dr. Hirschfield is among the small percentage of dentists in the United States to become educated on the effects of an insufficient airway on our overall health. He has committed to the continuing education necessary to be able to recognize airway insufficiencies, as well as to understand what that means in terms of not just oral health, but systemic health.
Left untreated, sleep disorders can cause or aggravate many serious health complaints.
Dr. Hirschfield is among the small percentage of dentists in the United States to become educated on the effects of an insufficient airway on our overall health. He has committed to the continuing education necessary to be able to recognize airway insufficiencies, as well as to understand what that means in terms of not just oral health, but systemic health.
Left untreated, sleep disorders can cause or aggravate many serious health complaints.
Do You Suffer From Any of These Signs or Symptoms?
- Do you suffer from clenching, grinding, or gritting your teeth?
- Do you have crowded teeth or a small jaw?
- Does your tongue have teeth marks on it from pressing it up against the teeth all the time?
- Do you snore?
- Have you been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
- Do you wake yourself up from sleep with gasping or choking?
- Do you suffer from chronic headaches, neck aches, or backaches?
- Do you notice that your jaw pops or clicks when you open and close your mouth?
- Do you have a history of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease?
- Are you struggling with your weight?
- Have you had teeth extracted to make room for braces?
- Do you have trouble with GERD or heartburn?
- Do you have a history of depression and/or anxiety?
- Do you have difficulty with falling and staying asleep?
If any of these apply to you, you should determine whether airway issues are involved.
Airway Obstruction in Kids & Teens
Sleep disordered breathing in children is an epidemic that is not getting enough attention.
Children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) often exhibit different symptoms from adults. The indications that a child may suffer from SDB include mouth breathing, snoring, daytime sleepiness, crowded or crooked teeth, behavioral issues, chronic allergies, difficulties in school, and bedwetting. Studies have suggested that as many as 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD, may actually suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and that much of their learning difficulties and behavioral problems may be a consequence of chronic fragmented sleep. Children exhibiting even one of these symptoms should be evaluated by Dr. Hirschfield. Contact us now for an appointment!
Don't Wait! Early Treatment is Critical
When children are young, their bodies are able to adjust and mold easily, particularly in their mouth and their bone structure. Crowded teeth may force the tongue forward against their teeth, narrowing their dental arch and constricting the airway.
Now, putting ALL of this together – Dr. Hirschfield is passionate about airway issues, especially for his patients’ health. He has undertaken the continuing education necessary to be able to recognize the signs of airway insufficiencies, and to understand what that means in terms of not just oral health, but systemic health. When you choose to consult with Dr. Hirschfield for your dental assessment, your examination will also include an airway assessment.
If Dr. Hirschfield finds that your airway may be compromised, based on criteria that he has learned from his extensive continuing education, he will inform and educate you as to what your options are.
Dr. Hirschfield works very closely with airway centered orthodontists and ENT physicians, to offer overall health to all his patients.
This is called Integrative Dental Medicine.
