Advanced dentistry helps Laguna Niguel residents understand sleep apnea
Facial development in infants and children
Normally, in an infant who is still breastfeeding, the tongue is
still out in a more forward position. As the face develops, the child
starts having what is called laryngeal descent, the larynx starts
descending so that they can start speaking. Then they have a difference
in their swallowing pattern, and in the way that they breathe. The
tongue now falls back into the mouth, and against the palate. This
allows for that multi-tasking and sharing of the aerodigestive tube,
allowing them to eat, breathe, and speak, without choking. These changes
take place in the first six months of life, which is a crucial period
of development.
The significance of the pharyngeal airway
The pharyngeal airway is the air passage extending from the nares
(nostrils) to the glottis (breathing area in the throat). This space is
determined by the many parts comprising its enclosing walls. Therefore,
the dimensions and configuration of the airway is a product of the
development and growth patterns of many hard and soft tissues along its
path. Although the surrounding parts define the airway, the growth and
maintenance these parts, in turn, are determined by the airway itself.
Any change in the functional and anatomic positions of any part will
have an effect on the entire system.
If any regional childhood variation develops along the course of
the airway, it can significantly alter the airway configuration or size.
When this occurs, facial growth will follow a different pathway and
this will lead to a variation in overall facial assembly, which may
exceed the balance of a normal pattern. The result is that this highly
complex structure with so many tissues and organs are highly dependent
and integrated with each other so we need to understand, when we are
dealing with one part, the ripple effect it could have on the entire
structure.
As scientific understanding of sleep disordered breathing
continues to evolve, newer, more effective, and more patient-friendly
solutions become available. Dr. Cruz is at the forefront of progressive
dentistry, and he brings innovative treatment options such as
myofunctional therapy to the residents of Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and
other south Orange County communities. Call (949) 661-1006 and schedule
a consultation to learn more.