Snoring is a common issue that over 10% of preschool-age kids experience. While it’s sometimes associated with a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea, what many don’t know is that it may also be linked to oral health. If your child snores, you may want to have their pediatric dentist evaluate their teeth and gums. Here’s what you need to know about the connection between the two.

The Causes of Snoring

Snoring occurs when the muscles in the throat, tongue, and top of your mouth relax. Throat tissues, in particular, can become so relaxed that they cause a slight blockage in the airway. They begin to vibrate as the person moves from the early stages of light sleep into a deeper slumber.

When the airway is compromised, air struggles to move through comfortably and increases the snoring effect in the process. It can affect kids who have naturally narrow airways, suffer from chronic congestion, sleep on their backs regularly, or cope with asthma, gastroenterological disorders, or allergies. In children, swollen tonsils can also cause a blockage in the airway that promotes snoring.

Snoring’s Effect on Oral Health

Even with proper dental care, snoring may take its toll on your child’s oral health. Significantly, it can cause them to suffer from xerostomia, medically known as dry mouth.

It causes the flow of saliva to slow dramatically, which in turn can lead to bad breath because the fluids can’t effectively and naturally cleanse the tongue and gums the way that they normally do.

Saliva is also rich in proteins and minerals that may prevent cavity formation. The less saliva that they have, the more vulnerable your child is to suffering from oral infections, canker sores, gum disease, and other conditions due to a prevalence of bacteria.

Techniques to Stop Snoring

It’s critical to identify any primary conditions that might be responsible for the snoring. Removing the tonsils, for example, may resolve the problem, as can treating a sinus infection or addressing concerns about weight.

Pay close attention to your child’s dental habits, too. If they complain about oral discomfort, dryness, or bad breath, a pediatric dentist can examine their teeth and gums and evaluate them for potential obstructive sleep apnea, which causes patients to stop breathing for periods greater than 10 seconds at a time.

Families throughout Somerset, KY, trust in the dental care services provided by Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC. Serving the community for over a decade, the pediatric dentist provides compassionate care to children throughout the area. She offers everything from teeth cleaning and toothache treatments to fillings and oral hygiene tips. Visit Dr. Prather on Facebook to stay informed of the dental clinic’s latest news or call (606) 679-5437 to schedule an appointment.