Does your child snore at night? What might seem endearing at first could actually indicate more serious concerns about your child's oral development. Here's what you should know.
How Mouth Breathing Impacts Jaw Growth
Snoring occurs when the airway is narrow or blocked; this can be due to an underdeveloped jaw, enlarged tonsils, or allergies. A blocked airway may cause the child to switch from nasal to mouth breathing to compensate and get enough oxygen.
Mouth breathing allows the facial structures to relax and changes the resting position of the tongue and jaw. When the tongue doesn't rest against the upper palate, it can narrow the palate, which can lead to tooth crowding.
Chronic mouth breathing also makes your child more susceptible to problems such as tooth decay, and can result from a condition called "dry mouth."
Can Children Suffer from Sleep Apnea?
Yes! Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can cause your child to awaken throughout the night due to a lack of air. This happens without them even realizing they're waking. It can happen several times throughout the night, keeping them from getting the restful sleep they need for proper growth and development.
What Are the Common Signs of OSA?
If your child is suffering from sleep apnea, you may notice:
- They sleep with an open mouth
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Tooth grinding during sleep (bruxism)
- Restless sleep, with lots of tossing and turning
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulties focusing or concentrating at school
- Mood swings or irritability
Contact Your Corona Pediatric Dentist
If you've noticed any of the OSA warning signs in your child, we would love to talk with you. You can contact All Smiles Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at (951) 356-4018 and book an evaluation with one of our dentists. Treating mouth breathing and sleep apnea with early intervention can guide proper jaw growth and improve your child's quality of life.