Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children

At CPD, we take an airway-centered approach to pediatric dentistry. Our focus extends beyond teeth to the entire craniofacial respiratory complex, allowing us to identify and treat sleep disordered breathing in children.

Signs and Symptoms

Dr. Sofia looks for key indicators of potential sleep disorder breathing during routine exams, including:

Not enough space for teeth to fit in Crowded Teeth

Upper teeth fit inside lower teeth Crossbite

Upper front teeth overlap lower teeth Overbite

Lower teeth protrude past upper teeth Underbite

Gap between upper and lower teeth Openbite

Teeth angled inwards Teeth Tipped In

• Teeth grinding
• Snoring
• Frequent nighttime urination
• ADHD symptoms
• Anxiety
• Bedwetting
• Enlarged tonsils
• Mouth breathing

Early detection is crucial, as untreated sleep disordered breathing can significantly impact a child's health, behavior, and development.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Many children have undiagnosed sleep disorder breathing, with symptoms often going unnoticed. However, long-term sleep disruption can take a toll on your child's physical and mental wellbeing. At CPD, we're passionate about identifying and addressing these issues early to prevent lifelong breathing and sleeping problems.

Treatment Options

Dr. Sofia tailors treatment to each child's specific needs. Common approaches include:

• Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and retrain the tongue and facial muscles.
• Tongue-Tie Release: A simple procedure to improve tongue mobility and positioning.
• Expansion Appliances: Custom devices to widen the palate and create more room for airflow.

In some cases, we may recommend adjuncts such as: Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) using a custom expander to permanently correct the anatomy of a narrow or highly arched palate, or a lip bumper to distalize teeth. By addressing sleep disordered breathing early, we aim to improve your child's overall health, behavior, and quality of life. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sofia today to discuss any concerns about your child's sleep or breathing patterns.

Help your child find the sweet dreams they deserve!

ADA STANCE: “Dentists can and do play an essential role in the multidisciplinary care of patients with certain sleep related breathing disorders and are well positioned to identify patients at greater risk of SRBD. SRBD can be caused by a number of multifactorial medical issues and are therefore best treated through a collaborative model”

Nasal hygiene section in sleep disorder breathing

Breathe in, Blow out!

Good nasal hygiene is essential for children (and adults!), particularly for those who frequently breathe through their mouths. Proper nasal care helps maintain open airways during sleep, reducing the risk of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, which can lead to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Remember, humans are naturally designed to breathe through their noses, and doing so can significantly enhance overall health.

To promote optimal nasal hygiene, we recommend using a saline nasal spray morning and night to help clear nasal passages and make breathing easier. Incorporate this practice into your daily routine—every time you brush your teeth, take a moment to clear your nose as well. By prioritizing nasal hygiene, you're not just improving airflow; you're laying the groundwork for better sleep and overall well-being for you and your children.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Sleep Disorder Breathing Evaluation?

Sleep disorder breathing (SDB) in children can manifest in various ways, often with symptoms that might seem unrelated to sleep. Early intervention is crucial for healthy development. Does your child exhibit any of the following signs or symptoms?

Consider an Evaluation if Your Child Shows:

• Mouth Breathing: Frequently breathing through the mouth, especially during sleep.
• Crowded/Crooked Teeth: Dental crowding can be a sign of underdeveloped jaws, impacting airway space.
• Clenching/Grinding Teeth: (Bruxism) Often a subconscious effort to open the airway.
• Frequent Cavities: Mouth breathing dries out the mouth, reducing saliva's protective effect and increasing cavity risk.
• Snoring: Regular snoring is not normal in children and can indicate airway obstruction.
• Restless Sleep: Tossing and turning, frequent awakenings.
• Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis): A possible sign of disrupted sleep and oxygen desaturation.
• ADD/ADHD Symptoms: Sleep deprivation can mimic or exacerbate attention deficit symptoms.
• Dark Circles Under Eyes: A sign of chronic sleep deprivation.
• Recessed Chin: Can indicate underdeveloped jaw and potential airway issues.
• Large Tonsils/Adenoids: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can obstruct the airway.
• Allergies: Nasal congestion from allergies can contribute to mouth breathing and airway issues.
• Food Avoidance: An underdeveloped jaw can make it difficult for children to chew harder foods such as meats, raw vegetables, and tough grains. This can lead them to choose softer or more processed foods, which are easier to manage.

What to Do Next:

If your child exhibits one or more of these signs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We can assess your child's airway, breathing patterns, and overall oral health to determine if they are a candidate for sleep disorder breathing treatment.

Schedule a Consultation