It’s not easy being a parent. In fact, it’s the toughest job there is. Any change in your child’s behaviour, such as an out-of-the-blue coughing fit, a string of consecutive sneezes, or unusually loud snores, can be alarming.
Symptoms like heavy snoring can be especially worrying in young children because they lack the language skills to express how they feel. When it comes to your kiddo’s oral health, familiarizing yourself with child dentistry in Carrollwood can help ease your mind. Our local dental office offers this avenue of care, and we invite you to come and allow our team to help you make the best decision possible. Please contact us today.
Understanding the Impact: The Link Between Snoring and Childhood Health
Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is the umbrella term for several sleep-related breathing problems, including snoring.
Many factors can lead to snoring in kids, including the following:
- Outdoor seasonal allergies or interior allergies to things like pet dander, dust, and mold.
- Obstructive sleep apnea in children and adolescents, Oxygen deprivation caused by obstructed airways.
- Problems with the mouth and teeth that obstruct breathing include overcrowding, misalignment, and a small, soft palate.
- Broadened adenoids and tonsils.
Can snoring be attributed to swollen tonsils? Yes, most definitely. This condition accounts for the vast majority of cases regarding irregular breathing when sleeping. A blocked airway during sleep may be the result of swollen or diseased adenoids (glands located at the back of the nasal cavity).
Identifying the Causes: Common Reasons for Snoring in Children
Identifying the origin of snoring is crucial to determining its severity. Newborns often breathe softly and squeal. Due to constricted nasal airways, babies occasionally make noises while sleeping. A minor excess of mucus or dryness might cause loud breathing.
Consult your dentist in Carrollwood about your newborn’s snoring. If your child snores loudly and experiences breathing disruptions, be sure to consult a pediatrician immediately because severe sleep apnea can be fatal. Getting a diagnosis early will set you on a path to timely treatment.
The cause may be allergies, asthma, or swollen tonsils, so treat those too. A visit to the pediatrician can rule out causes. If your child snores, let us know at their next dental checkup. They may snore due to palate or jaw misalignment, so we’ll inspect their teeth. If so, we’ll assist you and your child in deciding.
Teenage snoring can indicate dental misalignment, sleep apnea, allergies, swollen tonsils, or adenomas, just like in younger children. If you suspect tonsils, consult a physician or ENT to rule out more serious concerns.
Tell us whether you want us to examine your teen’s teeth during their routine dental exam to find the cause of their snoring. Pediatric sleep apnea requires careful treatment. A child with frequent interrupted or entirely restricted breathing while sleeping has this ailment.
Sleep apnea causes nighttime sleep interruptions, which can cause daytime fatigue, poor academic performance, difficulty focusing, learning challenges, hyperactivity, and behavioural concerns. Consult your child’s pediatrician about obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
The Role of Dentistry: How Dentists Can Address Childhood Snoring
In order to determine whether a narrow palate or tooth misalignment is the cause of your child’s snoring, we might suggest researching reliable community dental practices that provide services related to child dentistry near you. Talking with the right professional is key to getting your kiddo the high-quality care.
A widening of the palate, straightening of the teeth, and expansion of the oral cavity are all factors that can contribute to an improvement in one’s ability to breathe.
Treatment Options: Dental Solutions for Snoring and Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Possible dental treatments for snoring and OSA in children are listed below:
- Devices that help extend the upper palate to increase airflow are known as palatal expanders
- Tongue-retaining devices are used to keep the tongue from blocking the airway by holding it in a forward position
- Dentist-created oral appliances are a great option for children who require something specifically designed for their mouths
- Stress the importance of healthy behaviours, including eating well and getting enough sleep
Still Wondering About Your Child’s Snoring? Consult Us
If you have any concerns or questions about dental care, we’re here to help. Our staff at Playa Family Dentistry is available to assist you and your child however you require. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented practice and work hard to ensure that each time you visit, you feel welcomed and at ease.
We do our best to make the dental office a pleasurable experience for your child so that they can form a positive, lifelong relationship with a dentist near you. So, are you ready to schedule an appointment? Please send us an email or give us a call to begin.
The team is eager to work with you and your kiddo very soon!