SNORING KIDS

If your kids snore, you should have some concern.

Doctors and dentists say they are seeing an increase in snoring and sleep apnea among children. The belief is that an increase in child obesity is to blame.

If your child snores, you should definitely inform your Dentist.

There should be a comprehensive exam and evaluation. That would most often include a sleep study and a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist to be certain there aren’t other factors — such as blocked nasal passages or swollen tonsils — causing the snoring. Even pets can pose problems for children with low-grade allergies, causing the airway to swell and making breathing, and sleep, more difficult.

The effects of snoring and possible sleep apnea are considered especially dangerous in children.

Lack of restful sleep from snoring can affect a childs growth and reduce the critical over-night repair of their developing bodies. It can make some children lethargic, others hyperactive. They often suffer headaches. In the classroom, and at home that can translate into inattention and lack of focus. In very young children, obstructed nasal passages which force the child to breath with their mouth open, can interrupt normal oral-facial development.

In some cases, children require surgery to remove blockages or expand the jaw.

Today, many dentists are trained to work with neurologists and ear, nose and throat specialists to diagnose and treat sleep disorders in kids. You can contact Dr. Adam Chapnick and his team for further information www.chapnickdental.com .