Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Poor oral posture during early development alters skeletal structure, creating a smaller, more collapsible airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissues, including the tongue, collapse backward and obstruct the airway during sleep. Studies demonstrate low tongue posture and strength have a direct association with airway collapse.¹⁵ Mouth breathing is also a strong early indicator associated with disordered sleep patterns in children. Early detection of mouth breathing by oral health providers gives parents a chance to intervene before airway disease develops.