Children’s Mouth Breathing and Sleep Evaluations in Marietta, GA

Many kids breathe through their mouths because something is blocking or limiting comfortable nasal breathing. Common kids mouth breathing causes include:

• Chronic nasal congestion or allergies
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Tongue posture or oral posture issues
• Narrow nasal passages or anatomical restrictions
• Oral habits that encourage open mouth posture

During a child airway assessment, we look closely at these possible causes. Our airway focused pediatric dentistry approach helps identify what is driving the problem so we can recommend the most appropriate next steps.

Pediatric sleep disordered breathing can appear in many ways. Symptoms that may signal a concern include:

• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Restless sleep, tossing and turning, or unusual sleep positions
• Open mouth posture most of the night
• Bedwetting beyond the age you would expect
• Night terrors or frequent awakenings
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Daytime fatigue, irritability, or mood swings
• Difficulty focusing, staying on task, or sitting still in school

If you notice several of these patterns, a pediatric sleep evaluation can help clarify what is happening.

Children who rely on mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing often do not reach the deep, restorative stages of sleep their bodies need. Mouth breathing can:

• Reduce airflow quality and oxygen efficiency
• Increase snoring and partial airway collapse
• Lead to frequent micro awakenings or lighter sleep
• Leave children feeling unrefreshed even after a full night in bed

By evaluating sleep breathing problems early, we can help improve your child’s sleep quality and overall daily comfort.

Yes. Long term mouth breathing in children can influence:

• Jaw growth and jaw position
• Palate width and dental arch shape
• Tooth crowding and bite alignment
• Overall facial balance and profile

At Chattahoochee Pediatric Smiles and Airway, we use growth focused dental care to monitor and guide development. Dr. Bradberry evaluates both the teeth and the airway so we can support healthy growth and minimize the need for more complex treatments later.

We design pediatric sleep evaluations to be calm, predictable, and family friendly. A typical visit may include:

• Conversation with parents about symptoms, sleep patterns, and daytime behavior
• Review of medical history, growth history, and prior evaluations
• Visual exam of facial growth, jaw position, and oral posture
• Digital imaging, when appropriate, to evaluate teeth, jaws, and airway structures
• Myofunctional assessment of tongue posture, lip seal, and breathing habits
• Discussion of findings in clear, simple language
• Personalized recommendations and next steps

Our goal is for parents to leave with a solid understanding of what we see and what we recommend.

During a child airway assessment, we use several tools and techniques to understand airflow and function:

• Digital X rays and imaging to visualize jaw and airway structures
• Evaluation of nasal breathing versus mouth breathing at rest and during speech
• Assessment of tongue and lip function, including tongue tie or lip tie concerns
• Observation of oral posture and open mouth habits
• Growth focused examination of facial proportions and dental alignment
• Collaboration with ENTs or sleep physicians when additional testing is needed

This comprehensive view allows us to identify whether your child’s challenges are structural, functional, or a combination of both.

Treatment for sleep breathing problems and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is tailored to the child and may include:

• Myofunctional therapy to improve tongue posture and oral habits
• Referral to an ENT for evaluation of tonsils, adenoids, or chronic congestion
• Allergy management in coordination with your child’s medical providers
• Growth focused dental or orthodontic guidance to widen the palate or support jaw position
• Oral appliance therapy in appropriate cases to help maintain airway space

At Chattahoochee Pediatric Smiles and Airway, we emphasize conservative care. We only recommend what your child truly needs, and we walk families through each option step by step.

The cost of a children’s sleep and airway evaluation in Marietta, GA depends on:

• The complexity of the case and the type of testing needed
• Whether additional imaging or follow up visits are required
• Your insurance plan and benefits

Our team is committed to clear communication. Before any treatment begins, we review expected fees, help you understand insurance coverage, and discuss payment options. Families should never feel uncertain about the financial side of their child’s care.

Parents trust Chattahoochee Pediatric Smiles and Airway for pediatric sleep breathing and airway care because we combine clinical expertise with a gentle, family first approach. Families appreciate that we offer:

• A board certified pediatric dentist with more than 30 years of experience
• Personal insight and advocacy around pediatric airway dentistry and sleep apnea
• Comprehensive, growth focused assessments rather than quick fixes
• Conservative, child centered treatment planning
• A calm, welcoming office designed for infants, toddlers, children, and teens
• Collaboration with ENTs, sleep physicians, and other specialists when needed

We are here to be your long term partner in your child’s oral health, airway development, and overall well being.