Hearing your newborn snore can be both adorable and a little concerning. While light, occasional snoring can be normal for babies—often due to their small nasal passages or mild congestion—frequent or loud snoring may signal an underlying airway issue that needs attention.
Healthy airway development is crucial, especially during childhood, because it directly impacts breathing, sleep quality, behaviour, and even learning.
Why Airway Health Matters for Children
A child’s facial and dental development plays a major role in how their airway forms and functions. When the airway is narrow or obstructed, breathing can be harder, especially during sleep. Factors such as thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue posture can influence this development, sometimes leading to long-term challenges.
A properly developed airway supports healthy oxygen intake, restful sleep, and proper growth. Conversely, if airway issues aren’t addressed early, they may contribute to sleep disturbances, behavioural difficulties, and even developmental delays.
Common Airway Issues in Pediatric Dentistry
While many parents associate dentists solely with teeth, pediatric dentists are also trained to identify concerns that may affect airway health. Some of the most common airway-related issues in children include:
Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth can dry out oral tissues, impact jaw growth, and lead to poor sleep quality. Chronic mouth breathing in children can also contribute to changes in facial structure, misaligned teeth, and a higher risk of cavities due to reduced saliva flow.
Tongue-Tie
A condition where the tissue under the tongue restricts movement, potentially affecting feeding, swallowing, and proper tongue posture. If left untreated, tongue-tie can also interfere with speech development and contribute to improper oral and airway growth patterns.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep due to a blocked airway. In children, OSA can lead to behavioural issues, learning difficulties, and delayed growth, while in adults it is linked to cardiovascular problems and chronic fatigue.
Signs & Symptoms of Airway Problems
Recognizing airway issues early is key to preventing more serious complications. Some signs and symptoms to watch for in children (and even adults) include:
- Snoring or heavy breathing during sleep
- Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or learning
- Frequent morning headaches
- Restless sleep or frequent nighttime awakenings
- Bedwetting in children
- Chronic nasal congestion
If your newborn or child exhibits some of these symptoms, it’s important to have their airway evaluated.
Diagnosis & Assessment
Early detection of airway issues can lead to highly effective interventions. A comprehensive assessment often involves:
- Comprehensive airway evaluation – Reviewing facial and dental development to spot any growth patterns that may narrow the airway.
- Airway imaging and analysis – Using diagnostic imaging to view the structure and function of the airway.
- Sleep studies – Recommended when sleep-related breathing issues such as OSA are suspected.
These evaluations provide valuable insight into whether your child’s airway is functioning properly and what treatments may help.
Treatment Options for Airway Concerns
If your child’s assessment shows signs of airway issues, treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity. Common approaches include:
Orthodontic Intervention
Orthodontic intervention involves expanding the jaw or guiding growth to create more space for the airway. This can also help align the teeth and improve bite function, which supports healthier breathing patterns and reduces strain on oral and facial muscles.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy refers to exercises designed to strengthen the tongue and improve oral muscle function, encouraging nasal breathing. Over time, this therapy can help correct improper swallowing patterns, improve facial muscle tone, and support proper jaw alignment.
Tongue-Tie Release
This is a minor procedure to improve tongue mobility. It helps with feeding, speech, and airway posture. Increased tongue mobility can also encourage proper tongue rest position, which is essential for optimal palate development and airway space.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications may involve guidance on diet, exercise, and nasal hygiene to support airway health. Adopting these strategies can reduce inflammation, improve nasal airflow, and promote overall systemic health, which benefits both oral and airway function.
In newborns, treatment may be more focused on monitoring development and ensuring that breathing and feeding remain effective. As children grow, proactive dental and orthodontic care can be instrumental in maintaining a healthy airway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newborn Snoring Always a Cause for Concern?
Not necessarily. Occasional snoring can happen due to nasal congestion, dry air, or sleeping position. Persistent or loud snoring, however, should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Can Dental Care Really Help with Breathing Issues?
Yes. The structure of the jaw, palate, and dental arches affects airway size and function. Orthodontic and dental interventions can significantly improve breathing.
How Do I Know If My Child’s Snoring Is Related to Sleep Apnea?
If your child snores regularly and shows symptoms such as pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches, a sleep study may be necessary to confirm sleep apnea.
Can Airway Problems Affect Learning and Behaviour?
Absolutely. Poor-quality sleep from airway obstruction can lead to concentration issues, hyperactivity, or mood changes in children.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Addressing airway concerns early gives children the best chance for healthy development. Since jaw and facial growth are most adaptable during childhood, treatments can be more effective and may even prevent the need for more invasive procedures later on.
A proactive approach also ensures that breathing, sleep, and development stay on track, supporting your child’s overall health and quality of life.
If you’re concerned about your newborn’s snoring or your child’s airway health, Bloom Orthodontics in Leduc, AB is here to help. Our experienced team can perform a thorough airway evaluation and recommend personalized treatment to support healthy breathing and development. Book an appointment today and prioritize your child’s airway health.