01/20/2026
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 2026. 👨👩👧👦 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 me 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.
As a Bioesthetic Dentist practicing in Tupelo, Mississippi, we are passionate about improving 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 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 includes a spectrum of conditions such as snoring, upper airway resistance, and obstructive sleep apnea. Alarmingly, studies suggest that up to 9 out of 10 children may 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 challenges 😤
• Arrested growth and lower academic performance 📚
Traditional treatments often focus on symptom management rather than the root cause. Our approach emphasizes airway health and proper jaw development. By promoting nasal breathing and optimizing airflow, many symptoms of SDB can be alleviated, helping children reach their full potential. 🌈
👅 Myofunctional Therapy: A Holistic Solution
One of the most effective tools we use is Myofunctional Therapy, think of it as physical therapy for the face, tongue, and oral muscles. Weak or improperly functioning muscles can contribute to mouth breathing, tongue thrust, and improper swallowing patterns. By retraining these muscles, Myofunctional Therapy helps restore balance and long-term function.
At my practice, Myofunctional Therapy is a cornerstone of our holistic approach. We provide individualized treatment plans that empower children to breathe better, sleep more soundly, and enjoy improved overall health. 💤
✨ Addressing Tongue Tie with Advanced Technology
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a common yet often overlooked contributor to SDB and Myofunctional Disorders. It can affect breastfeeding, speech, chewing, and breathing. 👶🗣️
I specialize in treating tongue tie using a minimally invasive laser frenectomy with the LightScalpel® LS-1005 Laser System. This advanced technology minimizes discomfort, shortens healing time, and often provides immediate improvements in oral function and breathing.
📍 Pearl, MS Families — Frenectomy Fridays Are Available! 👶✨
If you’re near Jackson, our Pearl office is open on Fridays exclusively for Frenectomy Friday appointments, scheduled in advance. These visits are dedicated to infant tongue- and lip-tie releases in a calm, baby-focused setting. 💕 If Fridays work best for your family, please let us know when you call — these appointments fill quickly! ⏰
Pre- and post-frenectomy Myofunctional Therapy is essential for optimal results. By preparing and retraining the muscles, we help children achieve lasting relief and success. 💛
I encourage you to browse our recent Facebook posts featuring heartfelt patient testimonials from families who have trusted us with their infants’ care.
🌈 Transforming Lives Through Compassionate Care
The connection between oral health, airway function, and whole-body wellness is powerful. When children breathe well, they sleep better, focus more easily, and experience fewer developmental challenges. At my Tupelo dental office, we’re dedicated to personalized, comprehensive care that lays the foundation for lifelong health.
🤝 Empowering Families to Take Action
Education is key. Together, we can create a tailored plan to support your child’s health and well-being.
🌟 Looking Ahead to 2026
My team and I are committed to enhancing children’s health through minimally invasive treatments and compassionate care. By addressing airway and myofunctional concerns, we’re helping families unlock brighter, healthier futures.
📞 To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (662) 842-8514.
Let’s make 2026 a year of health, growth, and confidence 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 Tongue-Tie & Lip – Frenectomy: https://rhtdmd.com/dental-services/tongue-tie-lip-tie-frenectomy/
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/