Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) isn’t just an issue for the older population. Unfortunately, we are seeing it younger and younger. A quick glance at recent research showed that 3–12% of children snore, and 7.2% snore 2–4 times a week or more, 1–10% of children have Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is when part or all of the airway is blocked during sleep. OSA is more common in children aged 2–8, and in children who snore. Believe it or not, children in lower elementary grades have higher rates of SDB than older grades and boys are more likely to have SDB than girls.
There are some common signs to look for when you are concerned SDB could be an issue.
1. Bruxism/Clenching of teeth– this will show up as wear on the teeth. They will look flatter than usual. Clenching/grinding are the body’s attempt to open the airway for more oxygen.
2. Mouth breathing– I preach this one way too much, but it’s a major issue and red flag.
3. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) – if there is clicking/popping in the joint, pain or discomfort, this could a sign that your lower mandible isn’t positioned correctly which can lead to or indicate airway issues and/or SDB.
4. Small and/or recessed mandible– when the bottom jaw/mandible is recessed or small, this can lead to less airway space and crowding of teeth. Nutrition from an early age as well as tongue placement/oral motor skills play a huge part in the growth of the mandible.
5. Fatigue– if you are experiencing SDB at night, you’re not getting restful sleep which will cause you to be tired and irritable the next day! It’s a vicious cycle.
6. Snoring– snoring is a sign that the body is trying to get more oxygen!
7. Restless sleep– tossing and turning can be a sign that the body is having difficulty getting an adequate amount of oxygen for full, restful sleep.
If you have any concerns regarding SDB, please reach out to a myofunctional therapist and/or a dentist who specializes in airway health for an assessment.
If you’re looking for a directory of therapists, you can check out www.pediatricfeedingtherapist.com when looking for someone to help with your child under the age of four. We also have a new myofunctional therapy directory as well, which you can find here https://untetheredpodcast.com/members/
