A new peer-reviewed study conducted by an independent dentist sheds light on how Vivos craniofacial appliances may decrease the risk of cavities (tooth decay) in mouth breathing children. Vivos Therapeutics, which developed the Vivos devices and technology, announced the study findings on October 13th of this year. Vivos craniofacial technology was developed primarily as a means to alleviate mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by opening the upper airway and guiding the face and jaw towards their genetic potential. This new study only adds to the growing evidence of the possible benefits of alleviating symptoms of OSA through Vivos technology.
Before we look at the study in question, let’s dive into what causes cavities, the role of saliva, and how mouth breathing can cause cavities.
What are Cavities?
Cavities are openings or holes on the surface of your teeth that are caused by permanent damage to tooth enamel. In addition to being a nuisance and expensive to fix, they can also be extremely uncomfortable and painful, especially for young children. We’ve all heard the top tips for dealing with and preventing cavities and have told them to our kids; avoid sugary drinks, limit snacking, and keep bacteria levels in your mouth to a minimum by practicing good oral hygiene (i.e., brushing twice a day and flossing).
In addition to steps you can take to help little ones prevent cavities, their bodies are also working to combat cavities, too!
Saliva is key to helping maintain good oral health. Not only does saliva begin the digestion process, it also acts to protect teeth from cavities in several crucial ways. Saliva helps to dilute acids and sugars in the mouth that can eat away at enamel. It helps wash away food and other substances from the surfaces of teeth. In addition, saliva carries high levels of vital nutrients and minerals that act to strengthen and reinforce teeth. Its antimicrobial properties also help to protect the mouth and tooth enamel from damage.
Fun fact: your body can produce up to 3 pints of saliva every day!
The Connection Between Mouth Breathing and Tooth Decay
Good breathing technique is important for proper developmental and overall health, and oral health is no exception. Breathing should be deep and profound through the nose. If the upper airway is obstructed due to an underdeveloped jaw, individuals may begin breathing through their mouth to compensate, leading to a host of issues.
Persistent mouth-breathing, particularly while sleeping, has been tied to decreased levels of saliva production. Decreased salivation can leave adults and children alike at an increased risk for cavities (tooth decay) and infection. That translates to more dental visits, more money, and more pain and suffering for you and your little one(s).
Mouth breathing also activates the upper lobes of the lung which in turn activates the sympathetic fight or flight nervous system. By breathing with the nose, the lower lobes of the lung are utilized, letting the body enter a state of rest, digestion and repair. Our teeth are part of the digestive system and therefore, mouth breathers may not be getting the nutrients and oxygen to the teeth which are essential for healthy teeth and for the prevention of cavities.
The Study
The independent study conducted by Dr. Toshi Hart, DDS, sought to assess the ability of Vivos guides to reduce the risk and incidence of cavities in children by converting children studied from mouth-breathers to nose-breathers. Hart hypothesized that if the Vivos appliances could help correct breathing and increase salivary production, then the incidence of tooth decay would decrease.
The 80 children studied, aged 4 to 12, were split into a control and a treatment group. The data produced at the end of the study showed that risk for cavities in the treatment group after 6 months of using the Vivos Guide had reduced by 76.4% compared to the control, and a 57.9% reduction after 12 month.
Both Hart and Kirk Huntsman, Chairman and SEO of Vivos, are both ecstatic about the results. Huntsman is quoted as saying ,“…we are pleased to show published, peer reviewed data demonstrating the efficacy of Vivos Guides and significant benefits the Guides may have on pediatric dental health.”
Proper airway development and nasal breathing has been cited as possibly the only surefire way to treating OSA by the late Dr. Christian Guillenminault MD, who was a leader in identifying the connection between OSA and learning issues in children.
If your child suffers from frequent cavities, OSA or other breathing disturbances may be to blame. Use of Vivos Craniofacial solutions for children may be a great option to address OSA, reduce tooth decay risk, and help open up your child’s upper airway. Vivos appliances are gentle and non-surgical. They focus on guiding the jaw towards its genetic potential, opening up the upper airway in the process and allowing oxygen to flow freely.
For more information on Vivos Cranionfacial appliances join our bi-montly free online presentation GROW, BREATHE, SLEEP, THRIVE! For your invitation, email us at Grow@EcologicDentistry.com or call us at (253) 863-7005. We are located at 8412 Myers Rd E. Ste. 301, Bonney Lake, WA 98391.