Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Treatment options in pediatric airway dental sleep medicine

Jerry Hu

The American Dental Association came out with a position paper recommending all dentists learn, screen and.or treat-refer out all patients suspected with airway issues and sleep breathing disorders. This includes the pediatric population. Dental sleep medicine training, however, is mostly absent or generally a 2-3 hour elective course in both dental and medical schools. For pediatric signs, symptoms, and treatment options, the gap in education is even worse.
Treating sleep breathing issues in patients begins with an interdisciplinary approach. Board certified sleep physicians must give the official diagnosis and polysomnography or other sleep testing (such as NOX3) must be obtained. Understanding that dentist have the ability to influence craniofacial growth and development with an array of options and treatment protocols is very important.
Proper growth, function, and thrive is important for children to grow with healthy immune system and exceptional quality of life. Myofunctional therapy, orthodontic appliances, chirodontics, physical therapy, and A-O and S-O-T (in some cases) should be given as options to children in need. Traditional orthodontic options and appliance options should also be weighed against other options to best fit the child’s condition and need

Published Date: 2020-10-28; Received Date: 2020-10-14