Better Sleep. Better Growth. Better Futures.
Children shouldn’t snore. They shouldn’t grind their teeth or gasp for air at night. At his airway-focused dental practice in Salem, Dr. Mark Montgomery identifies growth and breathing challenges early — to help children sleep well, grow fully, and thrive developmentally.
WHY CHILDREN NEED AIRWAY-AWARE DENTAL CARE
Many signs of airway dysfunction in children are overlooked or mislabeled. What’s often treated as behavior or orthodontic concern may be a breathing issue in disguise.
Common signs and symptoms:
Snoring or noisy breathing at night
Restless sleep, bedwetting, or night terrors
Mouth breathing during the day or night
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Dark under-eye circles
Forward head posture
Delayed growth or failure to thrive
Hyperactivity, anxiety, or difficulty focusing
Crowded teeth or narrow palate
Frequent ear, nose, or throat infections
These signs may point to a structural airway issue, oral restriction, or poor tongue posture — all of which can affect development and sleep quality.
WHAT WE EVALUATE
Dr. Montgomery performs comprehensive, child-specific assessments that include:
Oral and facial growth patterns
Nasal breathing and tongue posture
Signs of tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip ties)
3D imaging (as needed) for airway volume
Evaluation of jaw development and arch width
Breathing pattern analysis and history review
Family history and early symptom recognition
Collaborative input from ENT, myofunctional therapists, or sleep physicians
The earlier these patterns are recognized, the better the chance of guiding healthy growth and neurological regulation.
Depending on the child’s age and findings, we may recommend:
Airway-centered orthodontic guidance (CandidPro® or phased expansion)
Myofunctional therapy coordination
Laser frenectomy (tongue/lip tie release)
Habit and breathing retraining
Red light therapy to support growth and healing
NightLase® for soft palate tone (when appropriate)
ENT or pediatric sleep referral if obstruction is suspected
Growth monitoring and supportive care over time
Our goal is not just straighter teeth — it’s a child who sleeps, breathes, and grows to their full potential.
TREATMENTS & THERAPIES WE MAY RECOMMEND
COMMON QUESTIONS
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No. Nighttime grinding in children is often a sign of airway resistance or nervous system stress — not a phase to ignore.
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No. You can self-refer, though we welcome collaboration with pediatricians, ENTs, or sleep providers.
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Any age. We routinely evaluate toddlers, school-age children, and teens — each age has its own growth and intervention opportunities.
Growing Kids Need to Breathe Freely and Sleep Deeply
If your child is snoring, grinding, or struggling to focus — don’t wait. Early airway support can change their life.