It may come as a surprise to you, but early pediatric orthodontics can help prevent snoring as an adult. As a matter of fact, waiting until you are an adult can result in orthodontic surgeries, including jaw surgery. The fact is that the best time to perform orthodontic treatment is as the child is growing. Also, important to note is that a child with at least one parent who snores is approximately 3 times as likely to snore than children with parents who are silent sleepers.
If you or your spouse has a problem with snoring, orthodontic treatment can still be a solution.
Common Causes of Snoring
Some of the common causes of snoring include obesity, sinus issues, obstructed nasal passages and airways and orthodontic problems like an overbite. A disproportionate overbite (malocclusion), can cause, not only snoring issues, but difficulties with chewing, soreness, and tooth loss. There are several orthodontic treatment options available that can help minimize or even eliminate excessive overbite.
The Link Between an Overbite and Snoring
With an excessive overbite, the jaw is pushed back so far that it in some cases pinches of the airway, causing an obstruction. As the air rushes past this minimized airway, the throat tissues end up vibrating against each other, creating the aggravating noise we all know as snoring.
When to Start Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment
Most malocclusions become evident by the time the child is 7 years old. Interceptive orthodontic treatment during this time period can help promote appropriate tooth positioning and jaw growth, simplifying or eliminating the need for treatment in the future. Maintaining a child’s dental health by the age of 7 will produce health benefits that will sustain well into adulthood.
There are numerous orthodontic problems that can be identified early which is why having a child evaluated during their growth and development is so important.
If you have any questions about snoring, including how pediatric treatment can prevent snoring as an adult, give us a call. If you’d like to meet with an E&S orthodontist in person, make an appointment for a complimentary consultation (a $500 value).
