6 Concord St, Nashua, NH 03064
1. Why is proper breathing important for a child's health and development?
For most children, breathing comfortably through the nose is the natural way to breathe. The nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs. Nasal breathing also supports healthy oral function, including the normal position of the tongue and the coordinated development of the teeth, jaws, and facial structures.
Persistent mouth breathing may be associated with nasal obstruction, sleep concerns, or differences in oral and facial development. Signs that may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional include sleeping with the mouth open, snoring, restless sleep, dry mouth, or difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.
2. What is a pediatric palatal expander, and when might a child need one?
A pediatric palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance used in selected children when the upper jaw or dental arch is too narrow. Expanding the upper jaw can create additional space for developing teeth and improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
In some children, widening the upper jaw may also increase space in the nasal region and may support more comfortable nasal breathing. However, a palatal expander is not appropriate for every child with mouth breathing or airway concerns. The need for expansion should be determined based on each child's individual dental, skeletal, and developmental findings.
3. What is a pediatric restricted airway, and what signs should parents look for?
A restricted airway refers to factors that may interfere with a child's normal breathing, particularly during sleep. Possible contributing factors include nasal congestion, allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or anatomical differences affecting the nasal or upper airway.
Parents may notice signs such as persistent mouth breathing, snoring or noisy breathing during sleep, sleeping with the mouth open, restless sleep, dry mouth, or daytime tiredness.
These signs can have many different causes. A dental evaluation can identify dental and oral factors that may be associated with these concerns, while a pediatrician or ENT specialist can evaluate possible nasal or airway obstruction when appropriate. In some cases, a team approach may provide the most appropriate care for the child.
