The holiday season brings warm lights, cozy pajamas and nights meant for restful sleep. But for many families, this time of year also highlights when something feels “off” with a child’s sleep or breathing. Snoring, tossing and turning or constant mouth breathing may seem harmless at first, but they can be early signs of underlying airway problems.

At Greater Houston Orthodontics, Dr. Amir Davoody, Dr. Rana Mehr and Dr. Panagiotis Kyteas often meet parents who simply know their child is struggling at night but are unsure why. While airway concerns are not always obvious, ignoring them can affect a child’s sleep, behavior, growth and long-term health.

What Are Airway Problems in Children

Airway problems occur when something makes it harder for a child to move air through the nose or throat. This often shows up at night when children relax during sleep.

How do airway problems develop?

Issues may come from:

• Narrow jaws
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Mouth breathing habits
• Tongue posture problems
• Underdeveloped facial structures

These factors can make the airway smaller, which reduces airflow and interrupts restful sleep.

What Are the Signs of Airway Problems in Kids

Parents often notice clues during the night or early morning. Some signs may seem minor at first, but together they can point to airway concerns.

Common symptoms

• Snoring
• Restless sleep
• Gasping or noisy breathing
• Teeth grinding
• Mouth breathing
• Bedwetting
• Trouble waking up
  
  

Daytime signs

• Irritability
• Trouble focusing
• Slower growth
• Behavioral struggles
• Frequent fatigue
  

These patterns often improve when airway concerns are addressed.

Is mouth breathing a problem?

Yes. Mouth breathing keeps the tongue low in the mouth and encourages narrow facial growth. It can also dry the mouth and make sleep less restful.

What causes mouth breathing

• Nasal blockage
• Allergies
• Enlarged adenoids
• Narrow upper jaw
  
  

Can early orthodontic treatment help

In some cases, widening the upper jaw or improving oral posture can support healthier nasal breathing.

What Happens If Airway Problems Are Ignored

Ignoring airway issues can affect a child’s growth, behavior and long-term health. These effects may appear slowly, which is why they are sometimes overlooked.

Does ignoring airway problems affect sleep

Yes. Poor airflow interrupts deep sleep. Children may move frequently, snore or wake up often without realizing it.

Can ignoring airway issues affect behavior

It can. When children do not sleep deeply, they may struggle with:

• Focus
• Memory
• Impulse control
• School performance

Some children with airway issues display behaviors that look similar to attention disorders.

Do airway problems affect physical development

Airway issues can influence:

• Facial growth
• Jaw shape
• Dental alignment
• Posture
  

When the airway is tight, children may develop narrow arches, long facial profiles or crowded teeth over time.

Can untreated airway issues affect long-term health

Yes. In some cases, untreated airway problems may contribute to:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular strain
• Daytime anxiety
• Poor weight gain

This is why early evaluation is important.

What Is Sleep Disordered Breathing

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) describes a range of problems where airflow is interrupted during sleep.

What are the symptoms

• Snoring
• Gasping
• Pauses in breathing
• Heavy sweating at night
• Difficulty waking up
  
  

Is SDB dangerous

It can be, especially when it progresses. One severe form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which causes repeated pauses in breathing.

Orthodontists do not diagnose OSA, but they play an important role in identifying structural concerns that may contribute.

How Airway Orthodontics Helps Children

Airway orthodontics focuses on improving jaw shape, tongue posture and space inside the mouth. This approach supports healthier breathing and long-term development.

What can airway orthodontics address

• Narrow jaws
• Deep bites
• Crossbites
• Poor tongue position
• Oral habits affecting growth
  
  

How does it work

Airway-focused orthodontics helps create:

• Wider arches
• More tongue room
• Healthier nasal breathing
• Better oral posture

These changes can improve airflow, especially during sleep.

When Should Airway Treatment Begin

Early evaluation is extremely helpful because children grow quickly. The orthodontists at Greater Houston Orthodontics often evaluate children to understand how the jaws and airway are developing. 

The American Association of Orthodontists also recommends an initial orthodontic checkup around age 7. This early visit helps identify concerns before they begin affecting sleep, breathing or long-term growth.

Why evaluate early

• Jaws are still developing
• Early changes can influence long-term growth
• Breathing issues can be easier to correct
• Children respond well to gentle treatment
  
  

Can older children or teens still benefit

Yes. While younger children have the most flexibility for growth guidance, teens and adults may still benefit from orthodontic treatment that improves alignment and oral posture.

Which Orthodontic Treatments Support the Airway

Different treatments help address different growth patterns and airway needs.

Braces

Align teeth and improve how the bite fits, which supports proper tongue posture.

Invisalign

Helps teens and adults improve alignment in a comfortable, removable way.

Comparison Table: Airway Problems With and Without Treatment

Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Breathing While Seeking Care

Parents can help support healthier breathing habits while waiting for an airway evaluation:

• Encourage nasal breathing
• Reduce screen time before bed
• Keep allergens to a minimum
• Maintain consistent sleep routines
• Help your child rest in a comfortable position

These habits can help make sleep more peaceful during the busy holiday season.

Quick Recap

• Airway problems can affect sleep, behavior and growth.
• Symptoms include snoring, mouth breathing and restlessness.
• Ignoring airway issues may impact long-term health.
• Airway-focused orthodontics supports better breathing and development.
• Early evaluation at Greater Houston Orthodontics helps protect your child’s health.

A Holiday Gift for Healthier Breathing

As the year comes to a close, nothing is more meaningful than helping your child breathe, sleep and grow comfortably. At Greater Houston Orthodontics, Dr. Davoody, Dr. Mehr and Dr. Kyteas provide airway-focused evaluations that help families understand their child’s needs and plan the best care.

If you have noticed snoring, mouth breathing or restless sleep, now is a wonderful time to take the next step.

Schedule a consultation at our Houston locations today and help your child enjoy a healthier, happier holiday season.