The tonsils are two round lumps in the back of the throat that are part of the immune system and help defend against bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth or nose. Enlarged tonsils can cause obstructed breathing during sleep, nasal obstruction, poor sleep, snoring, and mouth breathing as well as behavioral issues like irritability, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention. Left untreated, tonsil issues can lead to slow growth, abnormal facial development, dental problems, and relapse following orthodontic treatment.

2. • The two round lumps in the back of the
throat
• Are the body's first line of defense as
part of the immune system against
bacteria and viruses entering through the
mouth
• Can be seen physically and clearly
• Common known infection: Tonsilitis

3. • Also known as “Pharyngeal tonsil”
• Situated posterior to the nasal cavity, in
the roof of the nasopharynx, where
the nose blends into the throat
• A mass of lymphatic tissue that helps the
body’s defense against bacteria and
viruses entering through the nose
• Can only be seen with specialized mirrors
or x-rays

4. • Obstructed breathing during sleep (i.e.: sleep apnea)
• Constant nasal obstruction
• Poor sleep
• Snoring and mouth breathing
• Behavior problems, such as:
• Irritability
• Crankiness
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty paying attention
• Sleepiness
• Slow growth due to lack of deep sleep and lower growth
hormone secretion
• Abnormal facial growth
• Narrow jaws
• Abnormal tongue posture
• Mal-occlusion
• TMJD (TMJ Dysfunction)
• Post-orthodontic relapse

5. Crowding
Cross Bite