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Children need adequate rest. Without it, they can remain drowsy, fatigued, and moody. Sleep deprivation can also negatively impact their academic performance. If you’ve noticed your child breathing through their mouth instead of their nose each night, it may be time to seek professional help. What you may not realize is that a tongue-tie could be to blame. Keep reading to find out what signs to look for and how addressing this problem can lead to better nightly rest.
What is a Tongue-Tie?
When a restricted band of soft tissue forms between the underside of the tongue and the floor of the mouth, it is known as a tongue-tie. This usually develops in utero; however, during development, the tissue detaches and allows the tongue to move freely. However, for some individuals, this separation does not occur, resulting in a thick band that prevents mobility.
How Can a Tongue-Tie Be to Blame for Mouth Breathing?
The restriction caused by a tongue-tie can pose many unique problems, one of which is sleep. This happens because the tongue is designed to rest against the upper palate, allowing this area of the mouth to widen over time. As this happens, nasal passages become more fully developed and allow for free-flowing air to pass through.
However, if a tongue-tie exists, the widening of the palate is unlikely to occur. Instead, it will remain narrow, as the tongue cannot rest against this space adequately. This, in turn, leads to a narrower nasal passage, making it difficult for your child to breathe through their nose. As a result, they will become what is known as a “mouth breather.”
How Does Mouth Breathing Affect Sleep Quality?
Breathing through the mouth while asleep does not allow for optimal rest; here’s why:
Nose breathing encourages proper rest, whereas mouth breathing places the body in a fight or flight mode. Each method triggers a different nervous system – parasympathetic versus sympathetic. With the latter, the body is unable to fully relax and enter deep sleep mode. This is a stage that is crucial if proper rest and recharge are to occur.
Mouth breathing doesn’t just hinder sleep quality, though. It also increases the risk of dry mouth and multiple oral health issues (i.e., dental decay, gum disease, etc.).
Can a Tongue-Tie Be Treated?
Yes! Tongue-ties are treatable; procedures require little time in the dentist’s chair. These procedures are called frenectomies and can be used to treat patients of all ages – children to adults.
If a tongue-tie exists, a board-certified pediatric dentist will carefully release the banded tissue so that the tongue can move freely. This will lead to improved sleep quality as well as the ability for your child to eat other types of food, speak clearly, and feel more confident in their daily life.
Don’t continue to let your child suffer from poor sleep. With the help of a tongue-tie expert, they can avoid chronic fatigue and instead wake up ready to embrace each new day.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Welke is a board-certified pediatric dentist who completed his general dentistry training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. After a two-year pediatric dentistry advanced program at the UIC Hospital, he went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Offering laser frenectomies to families in need, he and his team make the process easy, painless, and less stressful than ever before. Contact us via our website or by calling (312) 248-2455 to learn how we can help.