Airway Dentistry
Carrying Forward a Vision for Specialized Care
In pediatric & specialized dentistry, the conversation is changing. Parents are not only asking about cavities and braces anymore, they are asking about sleep, mouth breathing, and growth. They are wondering if what they see at home, such as snoring, restless nights, or behavioral struggles, might have something to do with how their child breathes.
The answer, more often than not, is yes.
Airway focused dentistry connects oral health with whole body health. For children, it can mean identifying challenges early, guiding growth, and giving families the tools they need for better sleep and better development. Airway care is not a trend. It is a shift in how we view dentistry’s role in overall wellness.
Dr. Carson Rutledge: Ahead of the Curve
Long before airway dentistry became part of the national conversation, Dr. Carson Rutledge recognized its importance. As the founder of The Airway Center in Charlotte, NC, he built a practice rooted in the belief that dentistry could do more than repair teeth, it could change lives.
Carson did not just see patients. He saw possibilities. He believed every child deserved a chance to thrive, and he understood how deeply breathing, growth, and oral health were intertwined. His vision helped shape a model of care that many pediatric dentists are only now beginning to embrace.
While Carson is no longer with us, his influence continues to ripple across the airway community. He was a teacher, a collaborator, and a friend who left behind a legacy of compassion and determination. At Moxie, we were honored to walk alongside him in building something that mattered, not just to practices but to families.
Carrying the Vision Forward
Today, as airway dentistry continues to gain momentum in pediatric and specialized care, we remain committed to carrying Carson’s vision forward. We believe:
Every breath matters. Airway health is fundamental to a child’s growth and well-being.
Dentistry has a broader role. Pediatric dentists can be leaders in identifying and addressing airway concerns early.
Families are ready. Parents are searching for answers, and they trust their dental teams to help.
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness about airway dentistry is not about chasing the next big thing. It is about doing what is right for children and families. By integrating airway focused care into pediatric practices, dentists can make a life changing difference.
We have seen the impact firsthand. Children who sleep better. Families who finally have answers. Practices that transform from being just a dental office into true partners in whole child health.
And behind it all, we carry Carson’s belief that this work matters, that it always has, and always will.
In Memory and In Action
Dr. Carson Rutledge was ahead of the curve, but his message was simple: dentistry can change lives when we care for the airway.
At Moxie Manifest, we remain dedicated to honoring that message. We will continue to support practices that want to expand into airway care, and we will continue to bring awareness to families who deserve to know that better breathing means better living.
Because every child deserves not just a healthy smile, but a healthy airway.