Does your child snore? Do they breathe through their mouth while asleep? These common habits can be troubling for parents who worry that their little one may not be getting the rest they need. This is especially true if they wake up irritable and fatigued. What you may not realize is that enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be the reason your child isn’t sleeping as well as they should. Read on to learn how they affect nighttime rest and what you can do about it.
How Do Tonsils & Adenoids Affect Sleep?
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common among children, causing many to require surgical removal to improve overall health and well-being.
Tonsils sit in the back of the mouth on both sides of the throat, while adenoids are tissues that remain behind the nasal cavity. When they become infected, your child can develop a sore throat, have difficulty swallowing, and snore.
When a sleep disturbance keeps them from getting ample rest every night, it will affect them personally and academically.
Because of their location inside the mouth, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can begin to block the nasal passageway, causing your child to breathe through their mouth, reducing their oxygen intake. As a result, they may develop a sleep-breathing disorder.
How Can You Know if Your Child’s Tonsils & Adenoids Are the Problem?
Some of the most common signs associated with enlarged tonsils and adenoids include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Behavioral issues at home and school
- Chronic fatigue from lack of sleep
- Snoring loudly
- Mouth breathing
- Restlessness at night
- Teeth grinding
- Bedwetting
- Frequently waking up throughout the night
What Kind of Treatment is Available for Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids?
When you discover that your child is struggling with this type of problem, many doctors might recommend standard, over-the-counter solutions, such as nasal spray, pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and throat lozenges. However, while these can reduce inflammation and discomfort, they don’t address the underlying problem long-term.
By seeing their dentist for treatment, you can get them the help they need. During a consultation, the dentist may suggest an airway evaluation to determine if a customized oral appliance is all they need. Surgical removal is not always necessary. Instead, the dentist will examine their breathing patterns, sleep quality, the size of their airway, and more before determining the right approach.
With a custom oral appliance, your child can wear the device while asleep, reducing obstruction so they can breathe freely throughout the night.
Surgery isn’t always the answer when it comes to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Instead, all your child might need is a simple appliance to help them breathe better and get the rest they need to thrive.
About the Author
Dr. Mahmoud Homsi graduated from Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He completed advanced continuing education courses at the Las Vegas Institute, focusing on full-mouth rehabilitation and TMJ/sleep apnea therapy. Treating patients of all ages at Charm Smile Dental, he can help even the youngest individuals breathe better and sleep more soundly throughout the night. Visit our website or call (603) 228–0123 to schedule an appointment.