Root Causes of Sleep Apnea

Three Root Causes of Sleep Apnea

  • Jaw anatomy superimposed over woman's profile picture

    1. Skull and Jaw Development

    Historically, breastfeeding and chewing tough, fibrous foods promoted proper jaw development and wider dental arches. The vigorous chewing action strengthened jaw muscles and supported well-formed oral structures. As diets have shifted to softer, processed foods, the lack of chewing stimulation is believed to contribute to:

    Smaller Jaws: Less chewing demand leads to underdeveloped jaw structures. Modern jaws are generally smaller compared to those of our ancestors. This crowding can affect tooth alignment and the size of the oral cavity, making it difficult for teeth to fit properly, often resulting in dental issues like impacted wisdom teeth and malocclusion (misaligned bite).

    Narrower Palates: With reduced jaw development, the palate (roof of the mouth) tends to be narrower. A narrower palate can limit space for the nasal airway, contributing to breathing difficulties.

  • Illustration of sinus cavities over facial image

    2. Sinus and Nasal Cavity Impact:

    The shape and size of the facial skeleton, which includes the sinuses and nasal cavities, are influenced by how the upper jaw develops. Since the roof of the mouth (palate) shares the same bone with the floor of the sinuses,  there is frequently a strong correlation between upper jaw development and sinus development.

    Reduced Nasal Airway Size: The narrowing of the face and jaw can restrict the nasal passages, making it more difficult for air to pass freely. This can contribute to nasal breathing difficulties, chronic mouth breathing, and an increased likelihood of sinus infections due to poor airflow.

    Impaired Sinus Drainage: Smaller, more constricted sinus passages can affect how efficiently the sinuses drain, leading to a higher risk of congestion and infections.

  • Illustration of airway reduced at throat

    3. Airway & Sleep Apnea

    The reduced development of the jaw and facial bones, caused by decreased chewing and dietary changes, can significantly affect the size and structure of the airway. This underdevelopment may lead to a narrower airway, increasing the risk of breathing difficulties and contributing to conditions such as:

    Sleep Apnea Risk: A smaller oral cavity and narrower throat increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as there is less room for the tongue and soft tissues. When these structures collapse during sleep, it leads to airway obstruction, which is a hallmark of sleep apnea.

    Mouth Breathing and Snoring: Smaller airways often force individuals to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, especially during sleep. Mouth breathing is less efficient and can lead to snoring and disrupted sleep patterns.

Treatment

Our society’s movement away from breastfeeding and the transition to a diet dominated by softer, processed foods has significantly impacted the development of our skull, sinuses, and airway. These anatomical changes are contributing factors to modern-day health issues, including dental crowding, breathing difficulties, and the rise in sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. By recognizing the impact of diet on facial development, holistic approaches to improving airway health, such as orthopedic/orthotic treatment, myofunctional therapy, and dietary changes, can help address these challenges.

Scientific Research

Research indicates that societal shifts away from breastfeeding and toward diets rich in soft, processed foods have significantly influenced craniofacial development, affecting the skull, sinuses, and airway structures.

Breastfeeding and Craniofacial Development: Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the proper development of an infant's oral and facial structures. The act of breastfeeding requires the infant to engage in complex sucking motions, promoting the growth and alignment of the jaw and palate. A study published in Pediatrics highlights that breastfeeding is among the factors that help children’s healthy physical and cognitive development.

Image of AAP Breastfeeding Article

Soft Diets and Craniofacial Changes: The consumption of soft, processed foods reduces the need for vigorous mastication, leading to underdeveloped masticatory muscles and alterations in craniofacial morphology. Research published in Frontiers in Physiology demonstrates that multi-generational soft diet consumption in mice resulted in significant changes in craniofacial size and shape, including shortened crania and mandibles.

Implications for Airway Development: Alterations in craniofacial structure can impact airway dimensions, potentially contributing to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. The narrowing of the upper airway due to underdeveloped jaw structures underscores the importance of breastfeeding and a diet requiring adequate mastication in promoting optimal craniofacial and airway development.

In summary, the decline in breastfeeding practices and the prevalence of soft, processed diets have been linked to significant changes in craniofacial development, affecting the skull, sinuses, and airway structures. These findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding and proper mastication in promoting healthy craniofacial growth.