Pediatric Airway
A child’s airway development isn’t always top of mind for parents. However, genetics plays only a small role in determining how a child’s jaw, TMJ, fascial muscles, and tooth spacing develop as they grow.
Proper Jaw and Airway Development
As your child grows, we expect the soft-tissue structures of the face and jaw to remain open and balanced. This gives the jaw room for baby and adult teeth to develop without crowding, promotes a healthy, functional TMJ, and keeps the upper palate and sinuses developing properly.
Early childhood is a very important time for this kind of growth. Airway issues can cause pediatric sleep apnea or other airway-related problems later in life.
Signs Your Child May Have Airway-Related Problems or Sleep Apnea
Airway issues aren’t always obvious. Here are some common signs your child may have airway-related concerns:
- Mouth breathing or having difficulty breathing through the nose
- Crowded teeth
- Restless sleep
- Snoring or pauses in breathing
- Bed-wetting beyond early childhood
- Night sweats
- Waking up very tired or napping very often throughout the day
- Snoring
- Tongue Tie
- Falling asleep in school
- Poor school performance
Children who experience interrupted breathing at night are also more likely to act out, have difficulty focusing during the day, and may be hyperactive, reactive, or more sensitive than usual.
These behaviors are also part of normal childhood and can make spotting childhood sleep apnea that much more difficult.
Contributing Pediatric Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
One of the main contributing factors to pediatric sleep apnea is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. These structures can block the airway during sleep, causing airway obstruction.
Other causes can include:
- Narrow dental arches
- A retracted lower jaw
- Poor tongue posture
If pediatric sleep apnea is left untreated, your child is at a much higher risk for developing:
- A misaligned facial and sinus structure
- A poorly developed jaw and mouth
- A dysfunctional swallow pattern
- Cognitive delays
- Stunted physical growth
- Cardiovascular strain
Pediatric Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Rickert recommends comprehensive airway evaluations to identify potential signs of sleep apnea in your child. To ensure an accurate and proper diagnosis, we work closely with trusted local pediatricians and pediatric sleep doctors who conduct the necessary sleep testing.
Once your child receives a formal diagnosis, we offer several effective treatment options to help them sleep comfortably and breathe easier, including orthodontic expansion.
Tonsil and Adenoid Removal
If your child is experiencing sleep apnea due to large tonsils or adenoids, we often recommend removing them. We don’t offer this procedure in the office, but we do make referrals to trusted local surgeons and are with you and your child every step of the way.
Orthodontic Expansion
Airway orthodontics, or orthodontic expansion, focuses on guiding the development of the jaw, palate, and soft tissues to influence airway function. The goal is to create a functional, strong airway and reduce the biomechanical causes of sleep apnea your child may be experiencing.
A typical orthodontic expansion plan includes treatment to widen the palate, address dental alignment, and guide dental arch development. Although orthodontic expansion is a primary approach to treating pediatric sleep apnea, it can also be used to successfully treat adult sleep apnea.
Myofunctional Therapy
We have a close relationship with a local myofunctional therapist who helps children and adults with mouth, jaw, and throat exercises to strengthen the airway muscles. This helps keep the airway open while your child sleeps and helps encourage proper jaw and airway development.
FAQs
What are the first signs of sleep apnea in kids?
Some of the first signs of sleep apnea in kids include snoring, pauses in their breathing, mouth breathing, or waking up gasping during the night. Nighttime sweating and bedwetting are also common.
Can infants have sleep apnea?
Yes, infants can have sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is common in premature infants, where the brain “forgets” to signal the body to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea in infants is caused by the airway being physically blocked, often by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
What’s the best sleeping position for a child with sleep apnea?
The best sleeping position for your child with obstructive sleep apnea is on their side. In this position, gravity helps pull the soft tissues away from the airway, preventing airway collapse.
When should my child get sleep apnea treatment?
Early treatment of pediatric sleep apnea can reduce the risk of further health complications and developmental problems. If you suspect your child may be experiencing sleep apnea, make an appointment as soon as possible for an evaluation to minimize long-term complications.