Breathing Easier About Your Child’s Oral and Overall Health

Where a child starts often determines where they will end up. About two-thirds of the population has teeth that come together incorrectly (called malocclusion). Malocclusion can be the symptom and/or the cause of significant growth, health, dental, and educational difficulties.

The information presented here will help you understand some of the issues Dr. Adelstein looks at to determine whether your child (or you) have issues associated with a malocclusion disorder. However, it is only a starting point. You should get more information from her by scheduling an appointment or talk with your child’s pediatrician and/or a specialist before making any decisions about your child’s care (or your own).

A Great Smile Helps Your Child Grow!

Help your child live a healthier life. Dr. Adelstein is dedicated to prevention and proactive treatment.

She is very focused on how the teeth and jaw affect sleep and overall health. Children are especially vulnerable to oral health problems. For example, it is not normal for children to snore. Snoring is a sign of a narrowed airway, which can cause oral misalignment.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help in many ways: not only to prevent dental issues but to improve the overall health and future of those who receive it.

Dr. Adelstein works with your pediatrician and other specialists to make sure your child is receiving the care they need when they need it.

While there is a range of areas to examine before an exact diagnosis is possible and treatment occurs, here are a few concepts to review...

Narrowed or Obstructed Airway…
               Signs, Symptoms & Complications

Oral/Dental/Orthodontic

• Orthodontic treatment can relapse
  (teeth become crooked again)
• Hanging Mouth Open to Breath
• Tongue Pushed
  Forward/Tongue Thrusting
• Teeth grinding during sleep
• Cross bites
• Crowded teeth
• Large overbite
• Narrow Palate

Medical

• Swollen Tonsils removed to open
  airway (our treatments might avoid
  this surgery)
• Swollen Adenoids
• Various Allergies
• Nasally Speech
• Constant Runny nose/Sinus Problems
• Hearing difficulties
• Chronic Ear Infections
• Breathing Disorders

Visual/Physical/Other

• Restrains Body Growth (much growth
  occurs in children during REM sleep)
• Dull appearance, particularly of the eyes
• Restless sleep habits
• Pale & Under weight children
• Bags under the eyes (often
  when the child awakens)
• Stoop shoulder posture
• Neck extended, nose upward,
  mouth open
• Nostril size

Psychological/Educational

• Children with Limited
  attention spans (ADHD)
• Hyperactivity (ADD)
• Sleep deprivation can be
  related to educational performance
   

Also consider... Preventive Orthodontic-Orthopedic Treatment is often best done before all baby teeth come out; 90% of skull growth occurs by age 12 and the value can be less predictable in later years. Of course, correcting this disorder can help all ages!

See your pediatrician or Call Us: (888) 444-6174

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Looking For More Information and Narrowed Airways and how it can affect your child’s growth?

 

Check out the links below.  While much of it is technical in nature, there are some important concepts that are very understandable and helpful to anyone who might need the information.

 

Title: Nasal Airway Obstruction In Children And Secondary Dental Deformities

Pediatric Otolaryngology Airway Problems

A Patient's Guide to Understanding Sleep Apnea

An Upper Airway Resonator Model Of High-Frequency Inspiratory Sounds In Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing

TITLE: Pediatric Airway Emergencies: Evaluation and Management

Dental malocclusion and upper airway obstruction, an otolaryngologist's perspective

Dental Malocclusion And Upper Airway Obstruction, An Otolaryngologist's Perspective 

Beautiful Balanced Faces - The First 9 years: The Most Critical time!
By William P. Tipton, DDS

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