The Impact of Your Child’s Airway

Did you know your child’s breathing ability affects multiple aspects of their growth and facial development? From their teeth and smile to their face and overall health and wellbeing, a proper airway in Coppell, TX is crucial. But what can happen if it becomes blocked? A pediatric dentist explains what problems can occur if there is an obstruction keeping them from sleeping and breathing throughout the night and what you can do to help.

What Problems Can Occur When the Airway is Blocked

A blocked airway can do more than make it difficult for your child to breathe throughout the night. Inadequate airflow can lead to other habits developing that can lead to long-lasting effects that negatively impact their growth and facial development. Some of the most common problems include:

• Mouth Breathing – When the airway is obstructed for any reason (i.e., sinus congestion, tongue-tie, nasal blockage), your child may begin to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. As a result, their tongue will lay flat in the lower jaw and cause their facial shape to become elongated. Their lower jaw might also sit further back, and the upper facial area (i.e., cheekbones, eyes) will no longer develop correctly, causing an imbalance. Not only can they develop a more sunken appearance, but they can also be prone to dark circles under the eyes, poor posture, and the inability to achieve restful sleep.
• Snoring – If the nasal passage is blocked, your child may begin to snore. While this symptom does not always lead to sleep apnea, it is one of the many indicators. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can easily create an obstruction resulting in your child’s sleeping patterns being interrupted by waking and gasping for air.
• Sleep Apnea – Whether your child develops obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or another sleep disordered breathing problem, it is imperative that they be treated as soon as possible to avoid longer-lasting issues as they get older. Sleep apnea can cause behavioral, social, and development problems because their brain is unable to properly reset while asleep.

Signs There Could Be a Problem

Should your child develop one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait to seek appropriate treatment by a trained professional:

• Mouth breathing
• Chronic snoring
• Bedwetting
• Allergies or chronic sinus congestion
• Teeth grinding
• Frequent ear infections
• Deviated septum
• Dry mouth
• Tongue or lip-tie
• Changes in posture

How to Help Your Child

Apart from recognizing the signs that are often attributed to a blocked airway or sleep disorder, it is necessary that you work closely with their physician and pediatric dentist. Not only can their dental professional detect early signs during regular checkups and cleanings, but they can identify through questions asked and careful examination if there may be an issue with your child’s upper airway.

If so, it may be necessary for your child to undergo a sleep test to receive a formal diagnosis before undergoing treatment that is designed to address problems that can affect their oral health, growth, and facial development.

By seeking care early on, you can not only help get your little one’s smile back on track, but their facial shape, emotional and mental wellbeing, and ability to breathe and rest easy at night will significantly improve, allowing for a better quality of life.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Offering assistance to patients who experience pediatric sleep apnea, she and her team can identify related symptoms and offer solutions to help children achieve a better quality of life. To find out if your little one is suffering from sleep disordered breathing, contact us at (972) 393-9779.