Mélanie Gomez 9:13 a.m., March 15, 2024, modified at 9:16 a.m., March 15, 2024
2% of children are affected by sleep apnea.
A syndrome that can have consequences on the growth of very young children.
So how do you recognize the symptoms, and what solutions exist?
Sleep apnea does not only affect adults.
2% of children, even the smallest, are also affected by this syndrome, as explained by the French Federation of Orthodontics.
What are the symptoms, the causes but above all the solutions?
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The main message from these doctors when faced with a child who has sleep apnea: consult as quickly as possible.
You still need to know if your child is affected.
All it takes is a little observation.
“There is a good sign which is the sign of the rearview mirror,” explains dental surgeon Jean-Baptiste Kerbrat.
“When you are in the car, your children often sleep in the back. If in the car seat, their head is hyperextended to try to find air and they snore, you should consult them.”
Solutions exist
This syndrome often appears for morphological reasons: the tongue and tonsils are sometimes large compared to the size of the jaws, which prevents the passage of air.
Fortunately, solutions exist, such as "enlarging the upper jaw and the lower jaw so that there is maximum room for the tongue", continues the dental surgeon.
"Around 11-12 years old, the bones become welded together. But if we see them much younger, from 4, 5, 6 years old, we can absolutely do orthodontic treatments. And if we make room earlier , he returns to normal growth."
An important treatment because sleep apnea can impact the growth and brain development of the child.
So if you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to consult an orthodontist or seek advice from your doctor.