Subscribe 

Good Morning.

A constantly blocked airway in children doesn't just impact sleep; it can also lead to ongoing stress on the body, problems with blood and fluid drainage, changes in growth signals, and more inflammation.

In this edition of More Than Teeth, we discuss a 5-year-old patient who was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). His Mother tried everything to find answers for her son, when a lactation specialist referred her to me to be evaluated and examined. We found that he was not breathing through his nose, had a narrow upper jaw, and had sleep-related breathing issues. These were treated using simple methods like clearing the nasal passages, teaching better breathing habits, and gently expanding the upper jaw while the child still had baby teeth.

The result was not only a relief to his parents because we had answers, but also a measurable improvement in headaches, growth percentile, mood regulation, nasal drainage, and quality of life for their young son. It was truly life-changing for the entire family. It’s stories like these that make me love what I do.

5-minute read👇

The Clinical Story

• Patient: 5-year-old male

• Medical history: Diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) at age 3

• Key findings:

  • Grade IV optic nerve edema

  • Chronically blocked sinuses on serial MRI/CT imaging

  • Snoring, bruxism, restless sleep

  • Narrow maxilla, high palatal vault

  • Zero percentile for height and weight

• Traditional workup: Neurology, endocrinology, and genetics, with no cause identified

• Turning point: Airway-centered evaluation

  This was not a failure of medicine. It was a blind spot.

Why the Airway Matters More Than We’ve Been Taught

1. Nasal Obstruction & Intracranial Pressure

Chronic obstruction of the nose and upper airway can lead to increased negative pressure in the chest during sleep, venous congestion, and difficulty draining cerebrospinal fluid. These sleep-related breathing issues are often associated with increased intracranial pressure and swelling of the optic nerve, even in children.

2. Sympathetic Overdrive Is Not Benign

Long-term airway resistance leads to a constant state of stress, resulting in higher stress hormones, a reduced relaxation response, and increased inflammation.

This explains: Difficulty managing behavior, poor appetite, disrupted sleep, and stunted growth. Growth hormone is released during sleep, but airway resistance can reduce its release.

The Treatment Strategy

1. Restore Nasal Patency First

Before expansion, before appliances, the nose must work.

Daily Nasal Protocol

• Saline irrigation

• Mucolytic support as needed

• Parent-guided clearance

The 3-Blow Method Link

Teach children to:

1. Blow nose

2. Use an anatomically correct angle to spray Xlear nasal spray, then sniff back, and wait one minute. Do a second blow.

3. For moderate to severe congestion, use OTC Fluticasone (Flonase) and let it sit for at least 2 minutes before blowing a third time.

This prevents pressure buildup in the ears and helps with natural drainage.

(Consensus pediatric ENT guidance)

2. Breathing Re-education (Buteyko-Inspired)

Goal: breathe less through the mouth, get used to more CO₂, and calm the nervous system.

Key ideas: Breathe only through the nose. Breathe slower. Hold your breath lightly (suitable for your age). Research shows that Buteyko breathing helps with easier breathing, better nervous system balance, and less airway inflammation.

(Courtney et al., Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies)

3. Semi-Slow Palatal Expansion (Primary Dentition)

This wasn't fast maxillary expansion. Why use a semi-slow method? It supports the natural growth of children's skull joints, reduces inflammation, and helps widen the nasal floor. Documented benefits include increased nasal cavity size, reduced nasal resistance, and improved sleep-related breathing.

(Pirelli et al., AJODO; Villa et al., Sleep Medicine Reviews)

Observed Outcomes (Not Promises—Observations)

After treatment and improved airways, Headaches went from happening every week to just once a month. Sinuses started draining properly for the first time. Height and weight began to follow growth charts. Appetite increased. Mood became more stable. Teeth grinding decreased. Sleep got better. This shows what happens when the body can regulate itself again.

Practical Chairside Checklist

If you see a child with:

• Bruxism

• Narrow palate

• Chronic congestion

• Behavioral issues

• Poor growth

• Headaches

Ask:

• Can they breathe through their nose at rest?

• Do they snore?

• Can they blow their nose effectively?

• What does their palate look like at age 4–6?

Coach Cathy’s Corner

(Functional Nutrition Lens)

When breathing improves, appetite usually improves too, and this is no coincidence. Long-term low oxygen levels and stress can hinder digestion. When the body relaxes, hunger signals become normal. Nutrient absorption gets better. Growth can happen because the body has what it needs. Protein, minerals, and vitamins are important, but they only help if the body can absorb them properly.

Selected Peer-Reviewed References with Links

1. Thurtell MJ, Wall M. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Neurology, 2013.

2. Sugita Y et al. Sleep apnea and intracranial pressure. Chest, 1985.

3. Pirelli P et al. Rapid maxillary expansion in children with sleep apnea. AJODO, 2004.

4. Villa MP et al. Orthodontic expansion and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2015.

5. Van Cauter E et al. Sleep and growth hormone regulation. Endocrine Reviews, 2000.

6. Russo MA, Santarelli DM, O’Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe (ERS). 2017.

Final Word

The human body has a built-in physician, but only if we stop blocking it.

Fix the airway.
Let sleep do its job.
Growth follows.

🍭Stuff so sweet you might get a cavity..

CE Opportunities / Events

If you found this helpful, forward it to a colleague or sleep physician partner. Let’s grow the movement, one documented, approved, and healed patient at a time.

Click here for related podcast topics.

Until next week,
Dr. Michael & Cathy Bennett
More Than Teeth | A Mission for Generational Health