Does Your Child Snore? Hidden Dangers & How the Right Orthodontist Can Help

By David Shen, DMD • OrthoWorks Orthodontics Group

Does your child snore at night? For many parents, it might seem harmless—just one of those “they’ll grow out of it” quirks. But what if that noisy breathing signals something more serious? Regular snoring in children is often an early warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other airway issues that can impact growth, behavior, and long‑term health.

As an orthodontist, I routinely evaluate children’s airways and facial development. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how early diagnosis and the right orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve a child’s sleep, health, and overall development. Let’s dive into why those nightly noises deserve your full attention—and what steps you can take as a parent.

Why Snoring in Children Deserves Serious Attention

Obstructive sleep apnea is often thought of as a “grown‑up” problem, mostly affecting middle‑aged men. But research shows OSA also affects children—often underdiagnosed and overlooked.

Snoring is more than an annoying sound; it can reveal a treatable airway issue. When a child’s airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep, their brain and body miss out on vital oxygen and deep rest. Over time, this lack of quality sleep can disrupt:

• Physical growth
• Behavior and mood regulation
• School performance and concentration
• Long‑term heart and metabolic health

The consequences can be more far-reaching than many realize.

Common Causes of Sleep Apnea in Children

So, what triggers sleep apnea in kids? The most frequent causes include:

• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• Narrow nasal passages
• Underdeveloped upper jaws (maxillae)

Each of these anatomical features can narrow a child’s airway, especially when muscles relax at night. To complicate things, because the symptoms of OSA often mimic other common childhood issues, the problem is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. That’s why awareness is key for parents.

How Sleep Apnea in Children Is Often Missed

Many symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea can look like unrelated issues or simply typical childhood behavior. Children with OSA may display:

• Short attention spans
• Moodiness or irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Restless or disturbed sleep

These behaviors often get mistaken for ADHD or chalked up as “growing pains,” when in fact, they could be red flags for disordered breathing during sleep.

Potential Long‑Term Health Risks

If sleep apnea goes untreated in childhood, it can raise the risk of significant health problems later, including:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Early detection and intervention make a dramatic difference in reducing these risks.

Children vs. Adults: Warning Signs Aren't Always the Same

While both adults and kids may snore and feel tired during the day, their bodies—and their symptoms—are often very different.

In Adults

• More likely to gain weight due to hormonal disturbances from poor sleep

In Children

• May actually struggle to gain weight
• Can experience delayed physical development

Other pediatric warning signs include:

• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Habitual mouth breathing
• Trouble focusing or learning difficulties
• Bedwetting
• Frequent nighttime awakenings

Missing these differences can delay getting your child the help they need.

Why Mouth Breathing Matters

It’s easy to overlook mouth breathing as a mere quirk, but it signals much more. Chronic mouth breathing can both signal and cause airway issues in children.

Potential consequences of ongoing mouth breathing include:

• Dry mouth
• Misaligned or crowded teeth
• Inflamed gums
• Abnormal facial and jaw development

This doesn’t just affect how your child looks—it can create a cycle where airway issues worsen, affecting both sleep and dental health.

How Orthodontics Can Help: The Palatal Expander

Here’s some good news: many airway problems in children are highly treatable. One of the most effective options is the palatal expander.

What Is a Palatal Expander?

A palatal expander is a custom-made orthodontic device that:

• Gently widens the upper jaw (maxilla) by slowly opening the mid‑palatal suture
• Sits on the upper teeth and uses a small, central screw

Typically, a parent or caregiver will turn the screw once a day for about two to three weeks, expanding the jaw in a gradual, controlled manner.

Ideal Age for Treatment

The best time for palatal expansion is between ages 6 and 13—while the bone is still growing and the suture hasn’t fused. Early intervention ensures safe, predictable results.

Beyond Straight Teeth: The Airway Benefits

While palatal expanders are often used to make room for crowded teeth, their benefits go far beyond aesthetics. Expansion can:

• Widen the nasal airway, allowing for easier breathing
• Make nasal breathing possible, reducing reliance on mouth breathing
• Help nasal passages better filter out bacteria, viruses, and debris before air reaches the lungs

Bigger Picture: Health and Development

By optimizing airflow, palatal expansion can support:

• Improved oxygen delivery throughout the body
• Steadier, more restorative sleep cycles
• Fewer respiratory infections
• Sharper mental focus and learning
• Proper facial and jaw growth

No wonder so many parents seek out the best orthodontist who specializes in airway‑focused treatments for their snoring or mouth‑breathing child.

When Should You See an Orthodontist or ENT?

If your child snores most nights, don’t let it slide. Early evaluation is crucial.

Seek a Professional Assessment If Your Child Has:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Regular mouth breathing
• Restless sleep
• Hallmarks like irritability, trouble focusing, or behavior changes
• Difficulty gaining weight or growing at a typical rate

What can you expect? Evaluations may include:

• Examination by an orthodontist of teeth, jaw, and facial structure
• Airway and tonsil/adenoid assessment by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist
• Occasionally, a referral for a sleep study to confirm sleep apnea

Why the Right Orthodontist Makes All the Difference

Not all orthodontists are the same—especially when it comes to airway and facial growth. For parents seeking the best orthodontist for snoring or sleep-concerns, look for someone who:

• Routinely evaluates airway and facial development in children
• Is experienced with palatal expanders and growth-modification treatments
• Collaborates closely with ENTs, pediatricians, and sleep specialists

A team-based, growth-focused approach ensures your child gets the most thorough and effective care.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore Your Child’s Snoring

If your child snores regularly, don’t wait and hope they’ll outgrow it. Snoring is a common sign of an underlying airway problem—one that can impact sleep, physical development, and even your child’s long-term health.

• Talk to your orthodontist about facial and airway development if you notice concerning symptoms.
• Consult an ENT specialist for a comprehensive airway and tonsil/adenoid evaluation.
• Ask whether a palatal expander or another airway-focused treatment could improve your child’s breathing and sleep.

Early diagnosis and intervention can make all the difference. If you’re worried about your child’s snoring or mouth breathing, schedule an evaluation with an experienced, airway‑focused orthodontist. It’s a crucial first step toward brighter days, better nights, and a healthier future for your child.