Mouth Breathing and Snoring
Northern Beaches Children’s Dentistry is a sub group of well-known Park St Dental Practice in Mona Vale, Northern Beaches. We offer assessment and treatment of mouth breathing and snoring or sleep apnoea in children and adults. A treatment which can significantly enhance the quality of life.
Mouth breathing and snoring or Sleep Apnoea occurs in an estimated 24% of middle-aged males and 9% of middle-aged females and also many children.
Sleep apnoea is a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The word “apnoea” literally means “without breath”. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is the repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the throat (upper airway) during sleep. A narrow floppy throat is also more likely to vibrate during sleep, which causes snoring.
Symptoms and Complications of Mouth Breathing and Snoring or Sleep Apnoea
Repeated fragmentation of sleep from Snoring and Sleep Apnoea results in poor quality of sleep and symptoms of sleep deprivation. Apart from daytime sleepiness and tiredness, which does not necessarily relate to the severity of the Snoring and Sleep Apnoea, there is a wide range of health concerns including but not limited to:
Impaired cognitive function resulting in depression, learning and memory difficulties, personality changes, and mood disorder. Morning headaches, decreased libido and impotence in men can result from Snoring and Sleep Apnoea. These can also increase the driving risk and poor work performance.
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea are linked to several cardiovascular complications including hypertension, insulin resistance, heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia and stroke.
Symptoms of Mouth Breathing and Snoring or Sleep Apnoea in Children
In children, snoring and sleep apnoea is associated with many symptoms: sweating or bed wetting at night, open mouth breathing, tiredness, short attention span, poor academic performance, behavioral problems and growth complications. Poor breathing in children may lead to facial structural abnormalities which significantly affects the future individual’s physiological and psychological status.
Children mouth breathing can result in serious teeth and gum problem. Teeth cavities, gingivitis, gum swelling and bleeding along with teeth crowding and facial developmental patholgies are just a few of many issues related to mouth breathing.
Treatment Options
- Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP)
This is the “gold standard” treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea but cumbersome with low patients’ compliance. Delivered via a nasal or oro-nasal mask, pressurised air is used to open the floppy upper airway.
- Surgery
Surgery is a common way of treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea in children with airway obstructive pathologies. Tonsillectomy is most effective when the patient has large tonsils. Nasal surgery may be considered in the case of nasal obstruction. More extensive procedures might be indicated for individuals where craniofacial abnormalities are impinging on the upper airway.
- Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS)
These are dental appliances, fabricated by a qualified dentist and customised for each patient based on their need. They work by holding the mandible a bit forward and keeping the airway open.MAS Splints are very conservative and effective with a high level of patient’s compliance. There are very effective in the treatment of mild and even moderate Snoring and Sleep Apnoea.
For a consultation regarding your child’s mouth breathing and snoring or sleep apnoea, you can book online or call Northern Beaches Children’s Dentistry/ Park St Dental Practice on 02 999 7 5770.