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We’re Championing Children’s Health in 2025

Each new year brings fresh opportunities to reflect on our goals. My team and I are inspired by the growing number of families who are sharing with us that they are prioritizing their health—and especially their children’s health—in 2025.

While it’s always rewarding to set personal and professional aspirations, nothing motivates me more than helping others achieve their health goals.

Supporting children on their journey toward better health is particularly meaningful, as the habits and treatments implemented now can shape a lifetime of wellness.

I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust so many families have placed in my team and I over the past year to care for their children’s airway health. It is especially touching when new moms bring their precious infants to us to address oral tethered tissues. These patients hold a special place in my heart, and it is with gratitude that we approach each opportunity to support their health and well-being. We’re excited about 2025!

As a Bioesthetic Dentist practicing in Tupelo, Mississippi, we desire to help improve children’s health by addressing critical issues like sleep-disordered breathing and tongue tie through minimally-invasive, innovative, and compassionate care. After more than two decades in practice, I’ve seen firsthand how foundational oral health is to overall wellness, particularly in our youngest patients. This year, I’m even more committed to addressing these often-overlooked health concerns and empowering families to take charge of their children’s health and well-being.

The Importance of Airway Health:

Persistent mouth breathing, though often dismissed as a benign habit, can have profound consequences. In children, it can disrupt dental and facial development, impact sleep quality, and contribute to behavioral and learning challenges. Many of these issues stem from undiagnosed conditions such as tongue tie and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). By addressing these root causes, we can unlock a child’s potential for optimal growth and development—both physically and cognitively.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children:


Sleep-disordered breathing is a spectrum of conditions that includes snoring, upper airway resistance, and obstructive sleep apnea. Alarmingly, studies suggest that up to nine out of ten children exhibit symptoms of SDB. These symptoms can range from restless sleep and snoring to more serious concerns like bedwetting, daytime drowsiness, and developmental delays. Left untreated, SDB can impair a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive.

Conditions linked to SDB in children include:
• ADD/ADHD
• Reduced IQ and learning difficulties
• Chronic allergies and swollen tonsils
• Irritability and behavioral problems
• Arrested growth and lower academic performance

Traditional treatments often focus on symptom management without addressing the root cause. My practice takes a different approach by emphasizing airway health and proper jaw development. By promoting nasal breathing and optimizing airflow, many symptoms of SDB can be alleviated, paving the way for children to reach their full potential.

Myofunctional Therapy: A Holistic Solution:

One of the most effective tools in combating SDB and related conditions is Myofunctional Therapy. Think of it as physical therapy for the face, tongue, and oral muscles. Weak or improperly functioning orofacial muscles can exacerbate issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, and improper swallowing patterns. By retraining these muscles, Myofunctional Therapy helps restore balance and functionality.

At my practice, Myofunctional Therapy is a cornerstone of our holistic approach to oral health. Led by our skilled Myofunctional Therapist, Mikenlee Stephens Smith, RDH, we provide individualized treatment plans that empower children to breathe better, sleep more soundly, and improve their overall health. This therapy involves exercises that strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles, ensuring long-term success and improved quality of life.

Addressing Tongue Tie with Advanced Technology:

A common but often overlooked contributor to SDB and Myofunctional Disorders is tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia. This condition restricts tongue movement, leading to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, chewing, and breathing. Untreated, it can contribute to mouth breathing and other developmental concerns.

In my practice, I specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue tie with a minimally invasive procedure called a frenectomy. Using the LightScalpel® LS-1005 Laser System, we can release the restricted tissue quickly and effectively. This advanced technology minimizes discomfort, reduces healing time, and provides immediate improvements in oral function and breathing.

But treatment doesn’t stop there. Pre and post-frenectomy Myofunctional Therapy is essential for ensuring the best outcomes. By preparing the muscles before the procedure and retraining them afterward, we help children achieve lasting relief and optimal function.

I encourage you to look through our many recent Facebook posts of patient testimonials from the wonderful and caring families that have trusted us with their infants oral tethered tissues.

Transforming Lives Through Compassionate Care:

The interconnectedness of oral health, airway function, and overall wellness cannot be overstated. When children can breathe properly, they sleep better, focus more effectively, and experience fewer behavioral and developmental challenges. At my dental office in Tupelo, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses these complex relationships.

These treatments, combined with our focus on individualized care, allow us to address each child’s unique needs and lay the groundwork for a healthier future.

Empowering Families to Take Action:

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is partnering with families to improve their children’s health. Education and awareness are key. Many parents are unaware that symptoms like snoring, dark circles under the eyes, or frequent headaches could be signs of a deeper issue. By identifying and addressing these problems early, we can prevent long-term complications and help children thrive.

If you’ve noticed signs of mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, or tongue tie in your child, I encourage you to seek an evaluation. Together, we can uncover the root causes of these concerns and develop a tailored treatment plan to support your child’s health and well-being.

Looking Ahead:

As we move forward into 2025, my team and I are committed to enhancing children’s health through minimally-invasive treatments and compassionate care. By addressing critical issues like SDB and Myofunctional Disorders, we’re helping families unlock a brighter, healthier future.

To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us at (662) 842-8514. Let’s work together to make 2025 a year of health and growth for your family.

Sincerely,
Dr. Robert H. Thornton, DMD

Learn about my background and training:
https://rhtdmd.com/about/meet-dr-thornton/

Learn more about Myofunctional Therapy:
https://rhtdmd.com/dental-services/myofunctional-therapy/

Learn more about Sleep Disorders & Airway Health for Adults and Children:
https://rhtdmd.com/dental-services/sleep-disorders-vivos/

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