Breathe Easy, Smile Better: How Nasal Patency Shapes Orofacial Growth and Dental Success

Presented by: Manan Shah, MD, ENT

Original Publication Date: January 16, 2026 (Midwinter Virtual Institute 2026)

Course Description:

The traditional focus of dentistry is shifting toward a comprehensive "oral-systemic" approach. Central to this shift is the recognition that nasal breathing is the primary driver of proper orofacial development. When nasal obstruction—often caused by chronic allergies—forces a patient into mouth breathing, the resulting changes in tongue posture can lead to high-arched palates, dental crowding, and long-face syndrome. This lecture explores the critical link between the nasal airway and dental health. We will specifically address how dental providers can screen for allergic rhinitis and utilize modern, in-office testing kits to identify the root causes of obstruction, allowing for more holistic treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of nasal breathing: Explain how nasal versus mouth breathing directly impacts the mechanical forces that shape orofacial development and dental arch morphology.
2. Integrate Diagnostic Protocols: Understand the workflow for incorporating simple, kit-based allergy testing into the dental clinical environment.
3. Identify High-Risk Profiles: Recognize three specific patient phenotypes—such as the pediatric "adenoid face," the chronic gingivitis patient, and the orthodontic relapse case—who would benefit most from an allergy testing referral.

Practical Applications:

Attendees will walk away with actionable insights to implement on Monday morning:

1. Seamless Integration:  Learn how to incorporate allergy screening into your standard health history and clinical exam without adding significant chair time.
2. Market Differentiation: Utilize airway health and allergy screening as a "Blue Ocean" strategy to differentiate your practice as a leader in oral-systemic health.
3. Optimizing Clinical Flow: Identify exactly where allergy testing fits into the patient journey—from the initial hygiene screening to the final treatment consultation.

Method: Lecture

Location: Online (Zoom)

AGD Course Code: 730 (Oral Medicine, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Pathology)

AAOSH Core Curriculum Category: Airway & Sleep Disorders

Credit Hours: 1

Speaker's Bio:

Dr. Manan Shah is a board-certified ENT and the current president of the Colorado ENT Society, past Chair of the YPS Section of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and current committee member at the AAO-HNS. He is the owner of the Colorado Ear Nose Throat Group and a founder of Wyndly.

Conflict of Interest: