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Childhood Snoring
Snoring is a mild sleep-breathing disorder, but it can be a harbinger of a
more severe condition known as sleep apnea. The continuum for these conditions
ranges from snoring on one end of the scale to sleep apnea to the other.
One of the ore common conditions we have seen related to a sleep-breathing
disorder is childhood bed wetting. This is not to be confused with the normal
growth and development that occurs around ages two and three, but rather a
problem that goes well past 5 years. This is a critical time for the development
of a child's self esteem, and a problem such as bedwetting is psychologically
challenging. The child may become more socially withdrawn or demonstrate the
reverse; more aggressive behavior tendencies. Either can result from bed
wetting.
One key factor in the child's growth is adequate airway development. A
diminished airway throughout the daily life of the youngster will prevent normal
growth and development. Behavior issues (e.g., ADHD), bed-wetting, stunted
stature or cognitive growth, and the like can develop.
A visit to a knowledgeable doctor can help. The doctor will assess the upper
and lower jaws to see how the size and shape are developing. If the jaws are
too narrow, a recommendation will probably be made to intervene with some
type of arch expander. Growth often needs to be enhanced in both the lateral
((side to side), as well as the front-to-back direction. The doctor can assess
this by making some measurements.
Snoring is not normal, but it is common. It can be an indicator of a growth
and development problem that can affect the behavior and well-being of your
child.
Nicholas J. Meyer, DDS, DNM
Millennium Dental Associates, PC
President, Int'l Academy Biological Dentistry & Medicine
(22.11.2008)
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