Snoring is often seen as a harmless quirk, something people joke about or dismiss as “normal.” But what if I told you that snoring, especially in children, is far from harmless and could be a sign of serious health issues like sleep apnea?
The Dangers of Snoring in Children
As a dental hygienist, I often hear parents laugh when they mention their kids snoring. But snoring in children can be a red flag. It can affect their behaviour, growth, and development. It’s not just a cute habit — it can be a sign of obstructed breathing that might lead to lifelong consequences if ignored.
Sleep Apnea: It’s Not Just “Mild”
Many people receive diagnoses of “mild” or “moderate” sleep apnea and are told there’s no need for treatment. But sleep apnea is like being “a little pregnant” — there’s no such thing. You either have it, or you don’t. Ignoring sleep apnea only leads to progression until the condition worsens to the point where a CPAP machine becomes necessary.
Sleep Apnea’s Connection to Chronic Illness
Our population is already burdened with chronic diseases, and sleep apnea is a contributing factor to life-threatening conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Did you know that Alzheimer’s starts developing 30+ years before symptoms are diagnosable? Early intervention can play a key role in prevention.
Heart disease is another silent killer linked to sleep apnea. Many seemingly healthy middle-aged adults suffer heart attacks without ever realizing they had underlying issues. When you snore or have sleep apnea, your oxygen levels dip, making your heart work harder than it should. The lack of oxygen forces the heart to struggle, potentially leading to fatal heart events.
The Role of Oxygen in Energy Production
A quick science fact: without enough oxygen, the body’s energy production is severely limited. Sugars produce only 2 units of energy when oxygen levels are low. But when oxygen is abundant, the body can produce 32 units of energy! It’s clear that proper breathing at night is essential for overall well-being.
Dental Hygienists: The First Line of Defense
As a dental hygienist, I often spot the signs of sleep apnea before a client is even diagnosed. I’ve referred countless patients for sleep studies, and many have returned to thank me for saving their lives. Their doctors informed them they were on the brink of severe health issues, including heart attacks, that could have easily been missed.
There are specific anatomical markers I look for: tongue ties, a high narrow palate, small upper jaw, or a retruded lower jaw. Functional signs like teeth clenching, grinding, a protruding tongue, or mouth breathing can also indicate the need for intervention. Recognizing these signs early can guide patients toward treatment that may prevent sleep apnea from worsening.
The Hope for Reversing Sleep Apnea
There is hope. Myofunctional therapy alone has been shown to reduce sleep apnea events by 50% in adults and an impressive 62% in children. With the right care, it’s incredible how much better you can feel. If you or a loved one snores, it’s time to take action and seek professional help. Your health and your future depend on it.
Final Thoughts
Oral health professionals, like myself, are often the first to recognize the signs of sleep apnea. It’s our duty to refer patients to the right specialists — myofunctional therapists, tongue-tie release providers, and bodyworkers — to improve their health outcomes.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Snoring and sleep apnea are serious, but with the right interventions, they can be managed or even reversed. Start breathing better today!
Thanks for a very informative article, Tiffany!
I am glad you enjoyed. After much education on the topic and the importance of screening/referring, I cannot un-see the signs l. I am so passionate because I personally reversed my severe snoring….. and with my history- I likely would have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or suffered a stroke.