ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF AIRWAY HEALTH AND ITS ORTHODONTIC IMPLICATIONS AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY AT DYPU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY, NAVI MUMBAI

Abstract

The relationship between nasorespiratory function and dentofacial development has been widely investigated; however, its clinical significance remains incompletely defined. Impaired nasal breathing has been implicated in altered craniofacial growth patterns, although the strength and consistency of this association remain variable across studies. [1,2] Breathing pattern is an important functional determinant in the development and maintenance of orofacial structures, yet it is frequently under-assessed in routine dental practice. Nasal breathing contributes to airway health through filtration of inspired air, humidification within the nasal passages, and the delivery of nitric oxide to the lower respiratory tract, all of which support normal physiological function.[3,4,5]