Periodontal disease is no longer understood as a condition driven by biofilm alone. Emerging evidence continues to highlight the role of airway dysfunction, altered breathing patterns, and chronic inflammation as contributing risk factors to periodontal breakdown. This two-part CE webinar series explores the airway-inflammation-periodontal connection through a prevention-focused, hygiene-centered lens. Participants will learn how mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing influence the oral microbiome, salivary function, and inflammatory burden, and how these changes present clinically during routine hygiene visits. Dental hygienists will gain practical tools for recognizing airway-related red flags, implementing simple screening strategies within their scope, communicating findings confidently with patients, and integrating prevention-based periodontal care models that support long-term stability.

During this CE webinar, we will
• Describe how airway dysfunction contributes to oral inflammation and periodontal risk
• Identify oral and facial red flags associated with mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing
• Implement airway screening strategies within routine hygiene visits
• Communicate airway-related findings to patients without overstepping scope   ( disclaimer , AGD PACE Statement )