Have you noticed any unusual issues or habits in your child that concern you? Breathing is something we often take for granted, but airway health can significantly impact nearly every aspect of your little one’s life – from their nighttime rest to their growth and learning during the day.
Here are five everyday clues that may indicate your child has an airway issue – and why early intervention is essential.
5 Common Signs Your Child May Have an Airway Issue
- Mouth Breathing
A child who consistently breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, whether awake or asleep, may have an airway issue. Mouth breathing can affect jaw alignment and facial development. It can also lead to dental problems, dry mouth, and other oral health issues.
Learn More: Mouth Breathing vs Nasal Breathing: What’s the Big Difference?
- Snoring or Gasping During Sleep
Noisy breathing during sleep, along with snorting, gasping, or pauses in breathing, can signal an airway obstruction. If your child frequently snores or experiences restless sleep, they may not be getting the oxygen they need throughout the night. If your child seems easily fatigued or struggles to stay focused, their breathing could be a contributing factor.
- Behavioral Issues
When children don’t get enough quality sleep, it impacts their behavior. Studies show that children with restless and disrupted sleep may show symptoms similar to ADHD, including difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and irritability. Correcting airway issues helps improve sleep quality, leading to better behavior and emotional regulation.
- Crowded Teeth or Crossbite
A narrow jaw or palate, crowded teeth, and crossbites are red flags of an airway issue. Crowded teeth or misaligned jaws narrow the airway, leading to mouth breathing and snoring. The lack of space for the tongue pushes it back and obstructs the airway, especially during sleep.
- Facial Development Concerns
Facial development is often related to oral and airway health, so pay attention to changes in your child’s facial structure.
- A narrow or elongated face
- Sunken features
- A recessed chin
- Dark circles under their eyes
- Chapped lips, which can indicate mouth breathing
Why Early Intervention is Essential
Early intervention is essential for airway dentistry because your child’s mouth, teeth, and jaw are still developing, which means small adjustments can make a big difference. Early treatment helps correct jaw and facial development, leading to a healthier airway, better sleep, improved behavior, and a reduced risk of chronic conditions.
Correcting issues when your child is young is also less invasive and more effective than waiting until they’re older, helping to avoid the need for more complex or extensive treatments later.
Learn More: Why Early Treatment Matters
Let Atkins & Anderson DDS Help Your Child Breathe Easy
Airway health might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your child’s well-being, but it plays a crucial role in their sleep, behavior, and overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed any of these five clues that your child may have an airway issue, schedule a consultation with Atkins & Anderson today – and take the first step toward healthier breathing for your little one.
