Is snoring normal in babies and children?

Most children snore when they have bouts of cold or allergies but when it gets habitual and happens on a regular basis, there is an underlying problem to be addressed. Snoring of any kind on a regular basis isn't normal, be it children or adults.

Snoring is a sign that suggests blockage of air as it passes through the back of your mouth, during sleep. It is suggestive of a condition called SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING. The most common causes are:

1. Improperly developed jaws (high and deep palate, narrow upper jaw, deficient lower jaw)

2. Narrow airways

3. Obstruction in airways (enlarged tonsils or adenoids)

Children with sleep disordered breathing have a poor quality of sleep at night which is often reflected in their day time behaviour as being overly active, cranky, agitated, lacking concentration in studies, day dreaming, feeling sleepy all time etc. Also frequent night time bed wetting, sleeping on their tummies with head tilted up can also suggest sleep disordered breathing.

These warning signs shouldn't be ignored and a full airway screening should take place to ensure your child grows optimally.

During growing stages, if detected early, we(orthodontists) can assist in the proper growth of the jaws and ensure a good patent airway for efficient breathing with the added bonus of less crooked teeth.

At our practice, our philosophy is not just straight teeth but to ensure optimal growth of jaws, muscle balance and harmony in essential functions like breathing, swallowing, chewing and speech.