Why Airway, Sleep, and Breathing Matter: What Pediatric Dental Screenings Can Reveal

At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO, we’re dedicated to helping children grow up healthy, confident, and well-rested. You may not realize it, but your child’s ability to breathe properly—especially during sleep—can have a profound impact on their development. And surprisingly, your child’s pediatric dentist plays an essential role in spotting these concerns early.

Dr. Rosalyn Shkolnikov (“Dr. Roz”) and her team provide airway-focused dental screenings designed to detect signs of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing before they impact your child’s well-being. From behavioral challenges to oral development, airway health affects far more than just a good night’s sleep.

This Article Will Address

• Why airway screening is important during pediatric dental visits
• The signs of airway problems Denver parents should know
• How pediatric dentists detect breathing issues early
• How often children should have airway screenings
• What treatment options are available for kids with airway concerns
• Why Northfield Pediatric Dentistry is trusted by Denver families

Why Is Airway Screening Important During My Child’s Dental Visit in Denver?

Airway screening is more than just an added benefit during your child’s checkup—it’s a powerful form of early detection. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a broad term that includes everything from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. These conditions can restrict airflow during sleep, leading to fragmented rest, low oxygen levels, and long-term consequences if left unaddressed.

When the airway is compromised, it can contribute to:

• Delayed jaw development
• Mouth breathing and poor oral posture
• Attention and behavioral issues
• Nighttime teeth grinding
• Interrupted sleep cycles

Because dentists like Dr. Roz evaluate facial and oral development regularly, they’re uniquely positioned to spot subtle warning signs early—often before other healthcare providers.

At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry, early intervention is a core philosophy. We believe prevention is powerful, and that includes identifying airway concerns before they become more serious health or developmental problems.

What Are the Signs of Pediatric Airway Problems Denver Parents Should Know?

Airway and breathing issues don’t always look like obvious medical concerns. Many of the signs are subtle—or mistaken for behavioral or developmental differences. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to ask about an airway-focused screening:

• Snoring (even occasionally)
• Mouth breathing while awake or asleep
• Tossing and turning or strange sleep positions
• Bedwetting beyond the typical age
• Daytime fatigue or irritability
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty waking or concentrating
• Behavioral concerns that resemble ADHD

Many of these signs are linked to the structure of the mouth, jaw, and airway—making your child’s dental visit an ideal time to check in.

How Do Pediatric Dentists in Denver Detect Breathing Issues Early?

At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry, airway evaluations are seamlessly woven into our comprehensive exams. Dr. Roz and her team carefully assess:

• Tongue posture and movement
• Tonsil size and throat anatomy
• Palatal (roof of mouth) shape
• Jaw alignment and dental arches
• Breathing patterns during rest

Using digital X-rayswhen appropriate, we get a clear picture of how your child’s facial development may be affecting their breathing. And thanks to our sensory-friendly environment—complete with weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and calming tools—we’re able to keep kids relaxed and engaged throughout the process.

How Often Should Kids in Denver Get Screened for Airway and Breathing Problems?

We recommend that airway screenings be included as part of your child’s routine dental exams every six months. Why? Because airway health evolves as your child grows—and early childhood is when it matters most. In fact, 80% of craniofacial development happens before age 6.

That’s why Dr. Roz takes a developmental approach. She monitors growth patterns over time to identify if an airway concern is improving naturally or needs intervention. Early detection often means simpler treatment and better outcomes for your child’s health and development.

What Airway Treatments Can Pediatric Dentists Offer?

If a concern is identified during screening, there are many non-invasive options available—especially when discovered early. At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry, treatment is always personalized and may include:

• Myofunctional therapy to strengthen the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles
• Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and increase airway space
• Habit-correcting appliances for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Tongue- or lip-tie release to improve oral function and breathing

In more complex cases, Dr. Roz works closely with trusted local ENTs, sleep specialists, and orthodontists in Denver to ensure coordinated care. The goal is always the same: help your child breathe easier, sleep better, and grow healthier.

What Makes Northfield Pediatric Dentistry a Trusted Airway Screening Provider in Denver?

Dr. Roz combines extensive training with a passion for early, comprehensive dental care. As a pediatric specialist, she brings an extra layer of expertise in identifying subtle developmental concerns—and helping families take action at the right time.

What sets our Denver practice apart:

• Pediatric-specific airway evaluations built into routine care
• Advanced technology including digital imaging and airway assessment tools
• A sensory-friendly environment for neurodiverse kids and those with anxiety
• Experience supporting children with special healthcare needs
• Focus on early interceptive orthodontics to encourage natural development

Northfield Pediatric Dentistry isn’t just about treating teeth—we’re here to support your child’s full-body wellness.

Schedule an Airway Screening in Denver, CO!

Airway, sleep, and breathing are foundational to your child’s growth and daily functioning. With something this important, early detection matters—and your pediatric dentist can help.

At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO, Dr. Roz and her compassionate team are here to make airway screenings a seamless part of your child’s dental care. Whether you’ve noticed symptoms or simply want to stay ahead, we invite you to take the next step in protecting your child’s health.

Call (720) 790-3804 or request an appointment online to schedule an airway screening today.

Sources

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
• AGD: The Dentist’s Role in Screening and Treating Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea