Isn’t cute when your little one snores? Honestly, it’s adorable. It may also be a sign of something more serious. It could be evidence of a breathing disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or a deviated septum.
The causes of snoring in children are similar to the causes of snoring in adults. Some of these causes are relatively benign, but some are more serious. Here are the most common causes of snoring in children:
Congestion. A cold, respiratory infection or congestion caused by allergies can force a child to breathe through their mouth which can cause snoring.
Swollen Tonsils. Swollen tonsils and enlarged adenoids can temporarily block blocking the airway, causing snoring and difficulty sleeping. While for some children, this is a temporary situation, but many children with this condition have obstructive sleep apnea.
Deviated Septum. Some children are born with a deviated septum, which means the divider between their nostrils is offset. An offset septum makes breathing through the nose more difficult (and noisier!)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is caused when the airway is blocked. It can be blocked by the tongue or by enlarged glands. Children living with OSA often snore loudly and repeatedly wake through the night, often gasping for breath. According to statistics, around three percent of children under the age of 10 have OSA.
Incorrect Jaw Position. Did you know that the position of the jaw can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea? If the jaw is set too far back, the tongue is too far back. A tongue that is too far back can fall and block the airway when your child is relaxed during sleep and impact breathing.
Breathing is one of the two most critical functions of the human body because it keeps us alive! When breathing is difficult because of a breathing disorder, the body can be severely impacted as can sleep. Sleep apnea and breathing disorders increase blood pressure and have been linked to other dangerous health conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also, when sleep is impacted, your child may act out, be more tired than usual, have difficulty concentrating, or complain of headaches.
If you notice your child snoring, you should mention it to Dr. Korous. Dr. Korous recognizes that sleep apnea is a serious condition in both children and adults and has the training and resources necessary to help. Learn more about how Millennium Smiles uses technologically advanced dental care to help treat sleep apnea by calling 972-987-4899.