Sleep-disordered breathing is an umbrella term for several chronic conditions in which partial or complete cessation of breathing occurs many times throughout the night, resulting in daytime sleepiness or fatigue that interferes with a person’s ability to function and reduces quality of life. Symptoms may include snoring, pauses in breathing, and disturbed sleep.(www.thoracic.org)

Oral habits disrupt proper orofacial development. Pacifiers, thumb/finger sucking, lip licking, and nail biting can increase mouth breathing, tooth misalignment, and long facial growth. All of these oral habits negatively affect your child's development.

Mouth breathing is a pattern where an individual predominantly uses their mouth for breathing, rather than their nose. This habit can arise due to various factors, including nasal congestion, allergies, anatomical considerations, or learned behaviors. Unfortunately, chronic mouth breathing can have negative impacts on oral health, facial development, and even overall bodily functions.

Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition where the tissue connecting the tongue's underside to the floor of the mouth is unusually tight or short. This restricted lingual frenulum can limit the tongue's movement, potentially affecting essential functions like breastfeeding, speech articulation, and oral hygiene.

Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue presses against or between the teeth during swallowing, speech, or even at rest. This abnormal tongue position can lead to various dental and speech-related problems over time. Individuals with tongue thrust may experience issues such as open bites, misaligned teeth, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, and even difficulties in breathing and chewing.