We all know we should brush and floss our teeth twice a day, but did you know other factors can affect your dental health? If your airways are not working correctly, it could indicate more severe sleep apnea or asthma. Going for a dental airways assessment is a brilliant idea. In Commack, NY, some centers can conduct the procedure well. Commack dental airway assessment specialists will do thorough examinations before the treatment.
What is a Dental Airways Assessment?
Your airways include your nose, mouth, and throat, which all work together to deliver oxygen to your lungs. If there is an issue with how well they’re working, you could develop a gasping sensation when breathing or experience shortness of breath.
Why Do I Need a Dental Airways Assessment?
Your dentist can help spot any potential issues with your airways by performing a dental airways assessment. Your dentist will look for anatomical and functional problems leading to poor airflow during this process.
- Anatomical Problems – These can include elongated soft palates or sagging tongues, which block the throat and cause gasping or choking.
- Functional Problems – These can include problems with the muscles that control breathing, such as asthma or sleep apnea.
How is a Dental Airways Assessment Performed?
Your dentist will first ask you some questions about your medical history and symptoms. They will then examine your mouth, nose, and throat to look for any anatomical or functional problems. They may take X-rays or refer you to another health professional for further diagnosis if necessary.
Who is at Risk of Developing a Poorly Functioning Airway?
You may be at risk if you have any of the following conditions:
- Chronic nasal allergy symptoms
- Recurrent ear infections
- Suffer from snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
What Can I Do to Improve My Airway Function?
If your dentist finds that you have a poorly functioning airway, they may refer you to another health professional for further diagnosis and treatment. However, there are some things you can do to help improve airflow and maintain good oral health. Use a humidifier during the winter months to help keep passages from drying out.
The Importance of Dental Airways Assessment
Dental Airways Assessment (DAA) measures how well your airways are functioning. It can help identify potential problems with your airways and determine the best treatment plan.
There are a few different ways DAA can be performed, but all involve measuring how much air you can breathe in and out as you hold your breath. In some cases, a patient may be asked to block one nostril and breathe through the other to measure how well their airways can handle pressure as they momentarily stop breathing.
The test usually takes around 10 minutes to complete and requires no medication or anesthesia. The amount of time required for the assessment will depend on the patient’s age and medical history.
Getting a Dental Airways Assessment is crucial if you suspect that your airways are not functioning correctly. Your dentist can use it to help identify potential problems with your airways and determine the best treatment plan. It only takes about 10 minutes for this test, and there is no medication or anesthesia required during the assessment.
