Upper Airway Health and Overall Health: How Are They Related?

Your lungs are the star of your respiratory system, but the channel through which oxygen gets into your lungs — known as your airway or respiratory tract — is also of critical importance. If it is not functioning properly, your whole-body wellness could suffer! Let’s talk more about this important connection. Specifically, we will focus on the functioning of your upper airway, which includes your nose, mouth, and throat.

The Consequences of Airway Abnormalities

Malfunctions and abnormalities in the upper airway are associated with some significant health problems:

• Mucous drainage. Did you know that an average nose produces about two pints of mucous every day? Problems with the airway can affect how the mucous drains, which may increase the risk of ear infections, sinus infections, and bad breath.
• Brain function. Asymmetrical nasal breathing (in other words, taking in more oxygen through one nostril than the other) may affect how your brain works. Things like your sleep cycle and other aspects of your health could be affected.
• Sense of smell. Airway problems that interfere with your sense of smell could adversely affect your quality of life and your ability to taste food.
• Nitric oxide function. When you breathe properly through your nose, your body produces a substance known as nitric oxide. It is important for supporting the health of your immune system, brain, and blood vessels.
• Sleep quality. Airway problems are often associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

How Can You Have a Healthy Airway?

If you are concerned about the health of your upper airway, the best thing to do is consult with a qualified medical practitioner. After a thorough examination, they can talk to you about potential treatment options. Sometimes, something as simple as getting proper care for allergies can improve airway function.

In other cases, more extensive intervention is necessary. For example, you might need functional orthodontics from a dentist to gently reposition or change the shape of your jaws or dental arches. In very severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

Your nose, mouth, and throat all play an important role in your respiratory system! Try to keep them healthy so you can enjoy improved overall wellness.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is an experienced holistic dentist who serves the Southlake, TX, area. She is proud to offer the advanced ALF orthodontic appliance to promote her patients’ airway health. She also offers traditional orthodontics and a range of other services. To learn more about how she and our team may be able to serve you, contact Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.