01 Sep Do Your Child’s Speech & Snoring Issues Mean They Could Have An Orthodontic Problem?

Did you know that oral or nasal breathing issues in children may be caused by underlying orthodontic concerns? In this post, our team at Taunton Orthodontics discusses these links and how we can help.

Snoring & Speech Problems in Children

Snoring in children may be a sign of an underlying orthodontic issue such as an overbite, underbite, or misaligned teeth. These issues can cause problems with the way the child’s airway is positioned, leading to difficulty breathing and snoring. Similarly, speech problems may also be caused by orthodontic issues that affect the positioning of the teeth and jaw, causing difficulties with speaking clearly.

If you notice your child snoring or experiencing speech problems, it may be a good idea to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained in preventing, diagnosing, and treating irregularities with the teeth and jaw, and can offer solutions to promote overall dental and facial health. By correcting any underlying orthodontic issues, an orthodontist may be able to improve your child’s sleep and speech.

Snoring Problems in Children

Snoring in children may be a sign of a sleep disorder or airway issues. While it is relatively uncommon in young children, habitual snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This medical condition causes the airway to become partially or completely blocked during sleep. OSA can have serious or even life-threatening consequences if left untreated, so it is important to detect and diagnose the condition and seek treatment.

Signs and symptoms of OSA in children may include lack of energy, difficulty focusing, behaviour issues, gasping or choking for air while asleep, and bedwetting. In some cases, sleep-disordered breathing, which refers to any breathing issues during sleep and can include snoring and OSA, may be caused by dental conditions or orthodontic problems such as abnormal jaw or tongue development, crooked teeth, or improper tongue positioning in the jaw. If you suspect your child may have a sleep disorder or airway issues, it is important to consult an orthodontist for an assessment and treatment recommendations.

Speech Problems in Children

If your child is experiencing speech problems, it’s important to consider whether underlying orthodontic issues may contribute to the issue. In some cases, the spacing and positioning of a child’s teeth can make it difficult to articulate certain sounds properly. An orthodontist can assess your child’s teeth and jaw development and determine whether orthodontic treatment, such as braces or other dental devices, could help improve their speech. It’s important to address any speech problems early on to ensure that your child can communicate effectively and build confidence in their speaking abilities.

When should my child see an orthodontist and how can orthodontic treatment help?

If you are concerned about your child’s speech or if they are experiencing issues with snoring or sleep apnea, it is important to consult an orthodontist to determine if there are underlying issues related to the alignment of the teeth or jaw. At Taunton Orthodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating orthodontic problems in children and can work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs.

It is important to address orthodontic issues as early as possible, especially when it comes to children’s oral health. Our team at Taunton Orthodontics recommends scheduling an initial assessment for children around age 7 when enough permanent teeth have erupted to allow us to determine if any issues need correction. By addressing problems such as misalignment, crowded or improperly spaced teeth, and bite issues during the early stages of development, we can help encourage healthy jaw and teeth growth and improve speaking skills. Our two-phase approach involves using treatments such as palatal expansion, braces, and Invisalign to correct the position of teeth and jaws.

If your child is experiencing snoring or speech problems, don’t hesitate to contact our team in Whitby today to schedule an initial assessment and address any concerns you may have about your child’s oral health.