This epidemic may seem invisible.
But we see it clearly and so can you.
For Parents
While there is strong evidence to support that modern civilization has actually caused the silent evolutionary pandemic affecting hundreds of millions of children globally, there is also hope that we can change our current challenges. Unwittingly, our standard practices — what we eat, how we eat, how we breathe, and well-intentioned treatments such as extracting teeth and giving children retractive braces — play a part in creating childhood airway disorders. Symptoms like sleep issues, an inability to focus or concentrate, lack of energy, and even anxiety and depression can often be traced back to childhood airway disorders.
The resources provided on this site will help you identify the signs and symptoms of airway disorders, understand your potential treatment options, and learn about the latest research. You will also find information on providers in your region.
There is hope. Treatment works. Please spread the word.
AIRWAY DISORDERS
Is your child a mouth breather? Does your child have sleep issues or are they a chronic snorer?
These are just two of the signs of sleep disorders in children. Education is the first step towards taking control of your child's long-term health.
Airway Management
Understanding the signs and symptoms, and how breathing, sleeping, and eating play a role in the development of childhood airway disorders, is the first step towards saving your child. CAFF has created a rich and growing resource library to help both parents and medical professionals understand this evolutionary pandemic and how each can help save the lives and well-being of more than 400 million children around the world.
Types of Airway Management interventions:
-
Lifestyle changes
-
Dental interventions
-
Surgical interventions
-
Groups and organizations
Airway Anatomy: The Basics and Differences
Signs of Airway Disorders:
-
Persistent mouth breathing
-
Open or slack-mouthed posture; unable to seal lips
-
Snoring or noisy sleep
-
Night terrors
-
Late-stage bed-wetting
-
Chronic nasal discharge/runny nose
-
Dark circles or allergic "black eyes"
-
Tossing, turning, thrashing and restless sleep
-
Messy sheets and blankets
-
Nail-biting
-
Crooked teeth
-
Frequent earaches
-
Falling asleep in school or inability to concentrate
-
Awakening feeling un-refreshed or with headaches most days
Oral Health
The consequences of a child's poor oral health go far beyond tooth decay and gum disease. Oral health also encompasses jaw alignment and oral cavity growth, both of which can impact a child's ability to breathe properly. Poor oral health, of any kind, affects a child's long-term emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Mouth breathing, often caused by airway dysfunction, can have long-term impacts on oral and microbiome health. It dries out the mouth, which in turn prevents saliva from protecting teeth and gums, neutralizing harmful acids, and acting as a barrier against bacteria.
Snoring in children is not normal or cute. Children who mouth breathe during the day sleep with their mouths open at night. Sleep relaxes the muscles that support the airways, leading to snoring. Mouth breathing can change the structure and development of a child's face and result in physical signs like an inability to seal lips, dark circles under the eyes, a long face, an open bite, a high or narrowing palate, or a sudden change in posture.
An airway-centric dentist will monitor and address concerns related to your child's bite, palate, and jaw — all of which can affect how your child breathes and sleeps.
Sleep Health
CDC Sleep Guidelines for Kids
-
Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps)
-
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (including naps)
-
Preschool (3-5 years): 10-13 hours (including naps)
-
School Age (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
Sleep is directly linked to airway disorders. Understanding this connection is crucial for improving your child's health.
Tips for good sleep health
-
Establish a regular bedtime routine.
-
Keep the sleep environment cool, quiet, and dark.
-
Limit screen time before bed (no TV or screens 1-2 hours before bed).
-
Encourage physical activity during the day.
-
Avoid large meals and caffeine before bedtime.
Share Your Story
We want to hear from you. Share your experiences and help others on their journey. Fill out the form below.
