A Review of Research Studies on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children Relevant to Dental Professionals

This article provides an overview of research available on sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the pediatric patient. People with SDB have symptoms of primary snoring, mouth breathing, and interrupted breathing (hypopnea). Most SBD research has focused on adults, with less information available on children. Significant differences between these two patient groups exist in the identification of sleep issues, treatment modalities, and stability of treatment. Dental professionals are in a unique position to screen their pediatric patients, provide treatment options, and help ensure early treatment. Research shows the importance of early intervention in children, even as young as at birth. Treatment of a child can be more successful than for an adult due to the impact of growth and its positive effect on the ease, completeness, and stability of treatment. Hypoxia is a major factor in the various morbidity elements of sleep disturbances. Research has provided different markers that can be identified and screened in the pediatric patient. These markers include mouth breathing, lack of nasal breathing, and deficiency of growth. Identification of these markers is critical, as is knowing the repercussions of these symptoms. This overview of the benefits and drawbacks of current treatments available to dental professionals discusses best options to help pediatric patients succeed in overcoming SBD both in the present and for the long term.