5 key points to know about sleep-disordered breathing in children

How children sleep and breathe during sleep can either help or hinder their natural growth and healthy development. Our airway-focused dentistry at the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, supports the healthiest start for your child, the building blocks for a lifetime of wellness. In this guide, our Dana Point, California team walks you through the five points about pediatric sleep disorders, including the far-reaching consequences of sleep-disordered breathing in childhood and how we screen, detect, and treat conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children.

No. 1: The importance of healthy sleep

Children need quality sleep for multiple reasons. They consolidate memories during sleep, particularly during the deep REM sleep stage when the brain is active. Restful sleep is also critical for metabolic health, as detoxification processes occur during sleep. Kids who chronically lack quality sleep tend to be irritable, anxious, and maybe hyperactive (as opposed to adults who tend to be drowsy and listless when fatigued).

No. 2: The importance of healthy breathing during sleep

There is a healthy way to breathe when sleeping. Breathing through the nose is essential for the healthy development of the face and skull. Nasal breathing also promotes the best respiratory function. When children breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, they are at risk of developing misaligned teeth/jaws or “bite” problems, a high-arched palate, and an asymmetrical face and profile, which can affect how they look and, ultimately, feel about how they look. Mouth breathing also puts children at increased risk of developing allergies, asthma, and airway collapse. Research also bears out that mouth breathing interferes with cognitive function and memory.

No. 3: Types of sleep disorders

Snoring and UARS (upper airway resistance syndrome) represent the most common forms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children. However, Obstructive Sleep Apnea also affects 2% to 4% of children. Anomalies in craniofacial development, nasal obstruction, obesity, and hypertrophic or enlarged tonsils and adenoids have all been implicated in the onset of pediatric SDB. Without treating conditions like OSA, children are vulnerable to developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and behavioral problems. When pregnant women have untreated OSA, they are also at risk of developing diabetes during their pregnancy and birth complications (like premature and low-weight babies).

No. 4: Diagnosis – the first step to effective treatment

Proper screening and assessment by a knowledgeable dentist can help circumvent the many medical and dental health issues related to poor-quality sleep.

No. 5: Restoring sleep, supporting health with treatment

Depending on what we find, several nonsurgical and surgical therapies may be appropriate for your child (see above). CPAP therapy can be an effective option, but its long-term use is associated with a condition called “midfacial hypoplasia,” which occurs when the growth of the upper jaw, cheekbones, and eye sockets does not keep pace with the rest of the face. Certain medications called leukotriene inhibitors and nasal steroids may be appropriate for more mild cases of OSA in children. Myofunctional therapy involves special exercises that help strengthen the mouth and throat muscles to encourage breathing through the nose during sleep. Orthodontic treatment and surgery may include the use of an appliance to open up and expand the palate or tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy as a “first-line” treatment for young patients with moderate to severe OSA caused by enlarged tonsils.

At the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, we emphasize not only customized treatment but also early screening and multi-disciplinary collaboration with your pediatrician, ENT specialists, and other professionals on your child’s care team. As practitioners of airway-focused dentistry, we are also on the front lines of proactive screening for problems associated with mouth breathing, tonsil size, bite imbalances, tongue posture, and more. We encourage you to contact us with any concerns right away. To speak with a member of our team in Dana Point, CA, call (949) 661-1006 today.