Why Every Pediatric Dentist Should Be Screening for Airway | The Pediatric Breathing Project Ep. 12

Dr. Piya Gandhi is switching gears for a practitioner-focused solo conversation about the field that completely changed the trajectory of her career: pediatric airway dentistry.

Her journey into airway wasn't intentional. It began when her oldest daughter developed sleep apnea at just three years old, pushing Dr. Gandhi to search for answers and ultimately changing the way she approached pediatric dentistry.

Now, 17 years into her career, airway dentistry has become one of the most fulfilling parts of her work and a major focus of her education for other providers.

Dr. Gandhi explains why screening is the first step and how pediatric dentists can begin identifying children at higher risk for sleep-disordered breathing using signs they're likely already evaluating during routine care. She walks through the PHAROS6 screening factors, including enlarged tonsils, dental wear, mentalis strain with lip closure, tongue tie, a narrow palate, and mouth breathing.

The opportunity isn't necessarily about finding a new patient population. It's about learning to look differently at the children already sitting in your chair and recognizing when their oral and facial development may be telling you something about their breathing and sleep.

Dr. Gandhi also shares how airway dentistry has brought renewed purpose to her own career, the role of collaborative care, and the education and training available for practitioners interested in incorporating airway-focused treatment into their practices.

In This Episode:

• How Dr. Gandhi's daughter's sleep apnea led her into airway dentistry
• Why screening is the first step in incorporating airway care
• The six PHAROS6 screening factors for sleep-disordered breathing
• Looking at familiar clinical signs through an airway lens
• Why potential airway patients may already be in your practice
• The treatment gap for children under six
• Expansion, myofunctional therapy, and tongue-tie treatment
• What a comprehensive pediatric airway consultation can include
• Collaborating with ENTs, myofunctional therapists, allergists, and other providers
• How airway-focused care can create a new avenue for practice growth
• Finding renewed purpose and fulfillment as a pediatric dentist
• Training opportunities for practitioners ready to learn more

For Practitioners Ready to Learn More

Dr. Gandhi offers several educational opportunities for practitioners interested in pediatric airway care, including online tongue-tie education, expansion training focused on children under six, and immersive two-day training alongside her in practice.

Whether you're ready to begin treating airway patients or simply want to become better at recognizing the signs, learning how to screen is a powerful place to start.

Connect with Dr. Piya Gandhi

Website:
https://drpiyagandhi.com/

Free Airway Checklist & Resources:
https://drpiyagandhi.com/

Find an Airway Provider Near You:
https://drpiyagandhi.com/website_4530a186/#directory

Subscribe to The Pediatric Breathing Project for conversations with parents, practitioners, and experts working to change the way we think about children's breathing, sleep, oral function, and development.

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The Pediatric Breathing Project with Dr. Piya Gandhi explores how airway health, jaw development, and sleep impact childhood wellness. Parents and practitioners will learn to spot early signs of sleep-disordered breathing and discover practical solutions for healthier futures.

If you’re a parent, dentist, pediatrician, or healthcare professional passionate about giving children the best start in life, this podcast is your guide to better breathing, better sleep, and better development.

Piya Trehan Gandhi, DDS

BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST, AIRWAY AND TONGUE TIE RELEASE SPECIALIST

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Resources from Dr. Piya Gandhi:

• Free Airway Checklist + Provider Resources: https://drpiyagandhi.com/
• Find an Airway Provider Near You: https://drpiyagandhi.com/website_4530a186/#directory