Could Your Child Have Sleep Apnea? The Surprising Signs to Watch For

Many parents don’t realize that sleep-disordered breathing can affect children just as much as adults, and catching it early can make a huge difference in your child’s oral and overall health. Dr. Brian Kraft at Payson Dental and Orthodontics in Payson, Utah, sees first hand how night time breathing issues can impact your child during the day, and he wants to help you recognize the signs.

How does sleep apnea affect kids?

Sleep apnea is a troublesome condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to an obstructed airway.

While adults often experience loud snoring and daytime fatigue, children can show less obvious symptoms. In children, sleep apnea can disrupt healthy sleep cycles, which are necessary for their brain development, mood and behavior, and physical growth.

Nighttime clues

When you’re checking in on your sleeping child at night, look for signs beyond the occasional deep breathing or snore. Some telltale signs include:

Loud and labored snoring
Pauses in breathing
Gasping
Choking sounds
Tossing and turning
Sweating
Mouth breathing

These cues suggest your child’s airway might be struggling to stay open, and that’s not something you want to ignore.

Daytime clues

You might not think that poor sleep has a big impact on how your child acts during the day, but it does. Here’s what to watch for:

Difficulty concentrating
Learning challenges
Mood swings
Hyperactivity
Morning headaches
Daytime sleepiness
Bedwetting
Sleepwalking

Unlike adults, children with sleep apnea may not seem tired during the day. Instead, they may be unusually energetic or hyperactive as their bodies try to compensate for low-quality sleep. This overactiveness can sometimes appear to be a developmental or behavioral issue, which is why sleep problems are often overlooked.

How our dental team can help

During routine checkups here at Payson Dental and Orthodontics, we don’t just look at teeth; we evaluate your child’s jaw alignment, airway space, tongue posture, and facial growth patterns to see how they are affecting their breathing during sleep.

If concerns arise, we can discuss advanced evaluations and coordinate with pediatricians or sleep specialists as needed. For some children, orthodontic approaches like palatal expansion or specialized oral appliances can help widen the airway and improve nighttime breathing.

One such device is Vivos, a specialized technology Dr. Kraft uses to reposition your child’s tongue and jaw at night.

Time to take the next step

Early intervention can make a world of difference, and we’re here to partner with you through every step. Sleep isn’t just rest for your child; it’s foundational to their development, mood, immune system, and school success.

Don’t brush off persistent snoring or sleep disturbances. It could be sleep apnea, and catching it early could change your child’s life for the better. Contact our team to schedule an airway evaluation or request one online.