The Way You Breathe Affects the Way You Live

Breathing should be silent, easy, and effortless. But when the airway is narrow, blocked, or dysfunctional — during sleep or wakefulness — it can lead to exhaustion, tension, and even chronic pain. Dr. Mark Montgomery helps identify and treat airway-related disorders at their root using integrative dental therapies.

WHAT IS AN AIRWAY DISORDER?

Airway and breathing disorders involve structural or functional problems that prevent optimal airflow through the nose, mouth, or throat — especially during sleep.

Signs of compromised airway include:

  • Mouth breathing (day or night)

  • Frequent yawning or sighing

  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning

  • Snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing

  • Forward head posture

  • Fatigue despite “normal” sleep

  • Nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching

  • Poor focus or anxiety

  • Asthma-like symptoms with clear lungs

Children may present differently:

  • Snoring, bedwetting, or hyperactivity

  • Delayed growth or narrow arches

Crowded teeth, speech issues, or open mouth posture

HOW WE ASSESS AIRWAY FUNCTION

We begin with a comprehensive airway screening that considers structural, behavioral, and neurological factors:

  • 3D imaging and volume scans of the airway

  • Sleep screening and home sleep testing coordination

  • Breathing pattern analysis (including nasal resistance)

  • Tongue position and frenum (tongue tie) evaluation

  • Posture and head-neck alignment

  • History of trauma, allergies, or frequent illness

  • Review of ENT, sleep, or orthodontic history

Airway is never just about the nose — it's about the entire breathing system.

TREATMENTS WE MAY RECOMMEND

We create custom plans that support airway health, tongue posture, and breathing retraining:

  • NightLase® therapy for soft palate tightening

  • CandidPro® aligners for jaw and oral volume development

  • Myofunctional therapy coordination

  • Tongue tie evaluation and laser frenectomy

  • Red light therapy / vagal nerve support

  • Breathing retraining & Buteyko-style guidance

  • Nasal hygiene recommendations

  • ENT or functional MD referral if needed

Our goal is to open the airway, retrain the system, and improve oxygen flow — especially during sleep

COMMON QUESTIONS

  • Yes. Chronic under-breathing (hypoxia) can stress the nervous system, disturb sleep cycles, and contribute to mood issues.

  • Absolutely. Not all airway dysfunction causes snoring. Mouth breathing, clenching, and poor posture can signal subtle airway collapse.

  • Yes. Pediatric airway evaluation is a cornerstone of our practice, especially for early growth, sleep, and development.

Every Breath Should Be a Healing Breath

If you're breathing through your mouth, grinding your teeth, or waking up tired, you may have an airway problem worth solving.

Request an Airway Screening →