Snoring is a condition that affects people of all ages. The causes for sleep apnea in children are sometimes the result of developmental abnormalities with respect to the head and neck. Though the official diagnosis of sleep apnea in children will be done by an ENT or sleep specialist, the signs and symptoms are often recognized by someone who sees the child more frequently, such as an orthodontist. Maddux Orthodontics shares some signs of sleep apnea in children, and how we can help your child breathe and sleep better.
What are the Signs in Children?
The signs of sleep apnea in children are first noticed by the parents at home. Snoring, gasping, or choking observed during sleep are often signs of sleep apnea. The child may also complain of not sleeping well, they may be restless or inattentive, and they may show signs of fatigue during the day because their sleep isn’t restful.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common cause of snoring and breathing issues in children simply because the bony structures in children are growing and changing rapidly. Some problems are due to developmental changes in the bony structures of the mouth. Another issue that can cause sleep apnea in children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Often removal of these can correct the issue. However, if sleep apnea is due to a restriction of air because of a narrow airway caused by bony structures in the mouth, an orthodontic intervention can be a safe and effective way to treat such conditions.
Severe sleep apnea in children can sometimes be misdiagnosed as an attention disorder due to the behavioral and attention deficit experienced from the child’s lack of quality sleep. This is why it’s especially important to report any observations of snoring or other associated symptoms to your doctor so they can give an accurate diagnosis and plan an appropriate course of treatment.
How Can Orthodontics Help?
An orthodontist can often be the first line of defense after the parent when it comes to a pediatric sleep apnea diagnosis. The orthodontist will screen patients by asking questions and examining the structure of the mouth. They will often ask the parent to make note of any snoring or breathing irregularity if they suspect an issue even if the parent hasn’t yet noted any symptoms.
After the diagnosis is given, depending on the cause of the condition, an orthodontist can often help with prevention and treatment. About half of all pediatric patients with the condition have a bony abnormality that can oftentimes be corrected with appropriate orthodontic treatment. Since orthodontists have the ability to manipulate the bony structures of the mouth it is often the most effective and least invasive way to treat sleep apnea in children.
Sleep apnea in children can be caused by a host of different issues. It can be the result of inflamed tonsils or adenoids, or other factors. It can be a dangerous condition that can affect your child’s physical and mental development. Recognizing and treating the condition early will save you and your child a lot of stress and help give your child the best start in life. Your orthodontist can often recognize and help guide treatment if they suspect that it may be an issue for your child. For these reasons, it might be a good idea for your child to visit an orthodontist if they develop these symptoms even if they have no cosmetic issues.
If you believe that your child may suffer from sleep apnea, contact Maddux Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation to see how we can help!