An important area we need to focus on is the airway structures of the nose and mouth. When a dentist examines a patient, one must look for blocked nasal passages as well as problems within the mouth. This can involve swollen tissues such as adenoids (behind the nose) and tonsils.
The most common upper airway obstruction is respiratory tract allergies. Inhalant agents are pollen, animal dander, spores, home dust, feathers and detergents. Hypersensitivity reactions start and release histamine which causes congestion and swelling.
The adenoids and tonsils should start to disappear around 4 years of age. At puberty, maturing bone marrow in the growing child produces cells called lymphocytes, which take over the role of the tonsils and adenoids. Enlarged tonsils obstruct the nose which results in breathing problems that can cause nasal speech, postnasal discharge, coughing, vomiting or alterations in facial expressions like an open mouth breathing habit. Retaining tonsils and adenoids cause abnormal tongue posture via proprioception (feelings). Abnormal tongue posture also does not allow the jaw bones to develop properly.
We all must keep in mind the most important substance needed in life is not food or water. The body MUST HAVE oxygen! With any airway obstructions such as blockages, we will get lowered blood oxygen saturation (weakness). This can cause many physical problems such as lowered exercise tolerance, below average intellectual achievement, behavioral disorders, difficulties in breathing, poor eating habits and overall nutritional depletion. Poor oxygen intake from the nose and mouth can disturb all optimum growth potentials.
If your children show any of these symptoms, have your dentist or physician check for airway obstruction issues.
HI Dr. Dillon....would you suggest that if a parents notice their children are loud snorers that this should alert them to seek professional advice? How would a parent discern between a temporary issue such as a winter cold, and more chronic conditions? What is an acceptable amount of time give a potential cold "time to pass" before thinking it may be something more?
ReplyDeleteIs there anything in their dental regime we parents can do to help prevent issues with breathing?
Thanks for your advice!
Amy:
ReplyDeleteSome snoring trivia for you:
100 million Americans snore
In children 10-12%, Men 40%, Women 24%
Obese people are 3 times more likely to snore
To answer your question, a common cold should last no longer than two weeks. If the snoring continues, your child should be screened for Childhood OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). The first line of treatment for OSA is the removal of the adnoids and tonsils. Postoperative follow up is recommended because if any tonsil tissue remains, the tonsil can regrow.
Dental studies have indicated that children (4-12 years old) that suffer from sleep disorders usually have a narrow upper palate.
In studies on snoring and sleep disturbances in children, at least 30% have been found to snore loudly and will show significant hyperactivity and inattention. The good news is that if sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated adequately, most children can be cured.