Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Children

CPAP Problems | Children | Oral Appliance Therapy | New Snoring & Sleep Apnea Patient Form

airway problems in children: a significant problem

Recognizing airway problems in children is very essential to proper growth and development. Snoring in children is a very important warning sign of airway problems.

The following are additional warning signs that airway problems can exist:

  • nocturnal sweating
  • grinding teeth while sleeping
  • bed wetting
  • large tonsils and adenoids
  • small nostrils
  • large tongues
  • mouth breathing
  • overweight
  • falls asleep easily during the day
  • attention or behavioral problems
  • black rings under the eyes

Airway problems in children during the early developmental years need to be addressed to allow for proper growth to occur.

Airway problems in children can lead to:

  • decreased growth patterns
  • same symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD
  • improper facial development
  • teeth crowding
  • if not treated effects can develop into adulthood sleeping disorders

"In our office it is important that we help you recognize any airway problems in your children. Timing of orthodontics and improvements in the airway are essential to proper development and quality of life of your child. That is why it’s so important to work with dentists and physicians educated in airway problems and sleep disorders to better treat your children." - Dr. Glass

"Children will grind their teeth at night to open their airway. They can have nocturnal sweating from the increased amount of work to breathe. Large tonsils, adenoids, and small nasal passages can all affect the ability to properly breathe while sleeping. While not always the case frequently being overweight can greatly affect the child’s airway as well. Sometimes it may be noticed that a child is breathing out of the mouth instead of through the nose on a regular basis. In addition black rings may be noticed under the eyes which are a sign of lack of quality sleep. The lack of proper sleep can result in stunted growth, crowded teeth, daytime sleepiness, attention & behavior problems in school, and bed wetting. All of these can be very detrimental to a developing child for a variety of reasons. Being a father of three young children I realize the great importance of early recognition and treatment of sleep disorders in children." -Dr. Glass