Orofacial dysfunction screening examinations in children with sleep-disordered breathing symptoms

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Sleep Medicine
• Orofacial Myology
• Public Health

Background:

• Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) frequently coexist in children.
• Orofacial characteristics may indicate SDB, enabling early intervention and better treatment results for sleep issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize OMD in children experiencing SDB symptoms.
• To explore the links between OMD components and SDB symptoms in children.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 487 healthy children aged 6-8 in central Vietnam.
• SDB symptoms assessed via questionnaires and breathing assessments; OMD evaluated through tongue mobility, lip/tongue strength tests, and orofacial characteristic protocols.

Main Results:

• 7.6% of children were at high risk for SDB. Habitual snoring was linked to restricted tongue mobility and reduced lip/tongue strength.
• Abnormal breathing patterns correlated with lower posterior tongue mobility and muscle strength. Daytime sleepiness associated with muscle strength changes, facial appearance, and impaired orofacial function.
• Children with sleep apnea showed lower lip/tongue strength and improper nasal breathing. Neurobehavioral symptoms linked to anomalous facial appearance/posture and increased tongue mobility/oral strength.

Conclusions:

• A significant prevalence of orofacial myofunctional anomalies exists in children with SDB symptoms.
• Children presenting with prominent SDB symptoms warrant further orofacial myofunctional evaluation for comprehensive care.