As parents, we’re naturally attuned to our children’s well-being and always alert to signs that something might be amiss. When it comes to breathing, we often associate difficulties with obvious symptoms like loud snoring. However, it's important to understand that snoring is far from the only indicator of a potential airway issue in children.
In fact, it's surprising how many children experience breathing dysfunction without ever making a peep at night. This is why so many cases go unnoticed, potentially impacting their growth, development, and overall health.
Here are 7 subtle signs that warrant your attention:
Mouth breathing—especially during sleep
Observe if your child consistently sleeps with their mouth open. While occasional mouth breathing due to a cold is normal, persistent mouth breathing can indicate an oral muscular weakness or nasal obstruction.
Restless sleep or frequent waking
Does your child toss and turn throughout the night, or wake up frequently? Disrupted sleep, even without obvious snoring, can be a sign they aren't getting enough deep restorative sleep due to airway restriction.
Dark circles under the eyes
Often associated with tiredness, persistent dark circles can also be a subtle indicator of chronic nasal congestion and poor oxygenation.
Stay hydrated
Delayed speech or articulation issues: Surprisingly, airway problems can impact speech development. Chronic mouth breathing can affect the position and function of the tongue and jaw, potentially leading to delays or difficulties in clear articulation.
Chronic congestion without infection
If your child frequently sounds congested or has a stuffy nose without the typical symptoms of a cold, it could point to a structural airway issue.
Daytime tiredness or poor focus
Inadequate sleep due to breathing difficulties at night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating at school, and even behavioral issues.
Big tonsils, narrow palate, or visible crowding of teeth
These physical characteristics within the mouth can contribute to a restricted airway. Enlarged tonsils can physically block airflow, a narrow upper jaw can limit nasal breathing space, and crowded teeth can indicate underlying jaw development issues impacting the airway.
These signs may seem small on their own—but together, they could be your child's silent struggle to breathe!
If you've observed even a few of these signs in your child, I encourage you to consider an airway-focused evaluation—not out of fear, but out of care. At SameDay Dental Clinic, we understand the intricate connection between oral structures and the airway. We take a comprehensive approach to assess your child's breathing and identify any potential issues that might be impacting their well-being.
Remember, breathing well is at the heart of growing well.
Dr. Tina Rokadia
BDS, CAGS, MSD
Specialist Prosthodontist & Airway Dentist
Specialist Prosthodontist & Airway Dentist