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Oral cavity morphology among children at risk of sleep disordered breathing

Z Burska1, M Burghard2, E Brożek-Mądry3

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, Stępińska 19/25, 00-739, Warsaw, Poland.

European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry : Official Journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
|April 2, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children at risk of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) often show specific oral cavity differences. These include enlarged tonsils, high-arched palate, and a short lingual frenulum, which are important indicators for pediatricians.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

  • Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common condition in children.
  • Oral cavity morphology can be associated with SDB risk.
  • Early identification of SDB risk factors is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate oral cavity morphology in children identified as being at risk for sleep disordered breathing (SDB).
  • To compare oral findings between children at risk for SDB and a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • Children aged 3-17 years were assessed for SDB risk using the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ).
  • Oral examinations included Mallampati classification (MC), palatine tonsil size (Pirquet scale), occlusion, high-arched palate, and lingual frenulum assessment.
  • A study group of children at risk for SDB was compared to a control group with negative PSQ results.

Main Results:

  • 131 children were evaluated (65 in the study group, 66 in the control group).
  • Children at risk for SDB showed significantly higher prevalence of enlarged palatine tonsils (Pirquet scale), higher Mallampati classification scores, crossbite, high-arched palate, and short lingual frenulum.
  • These oral morphological features were more frequent in the SDB risk group.

Conclusions:

  • Oral cavity examination is a vital component of pediatric assessments.
  • Specific oral findings such as enlarged palatine tonsils, high Mallampati scores, crossbite, short lingual frenulum, and high-arched palate may indicate abnormal sleep breathing patterns in children.
  • These findings can aid in identifying children who may benefit from further SDB evaluation.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnkyloglossiaMallampati classificationObstructive sleep apnoeaOral cavityPirquet scale

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