Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing - Role of the Dentist

Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, ranging from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnea, is frequently under-diagnosed – and dentists, who see children regularly for routine care, are often uniquely positioned to notice early warning signs.

Dental visits provide a recurring opportunity to observe signs like mouth breathing, narrow dental arches, or tongue-tie – anatomical features often associated with an increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing in children.

A narrow, high-arched palate, dental crowding, enlarged tonsils visible during examination, and a habitual open-mouth posture are all clinical cues that may prompt further evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing.

When signs are identified, the dentist's role is to refer appropriately – to a pediatrician, ENT specialist, or sleep clinic – and, when indicated, to contribute orthodontic or appliance-based interventions that support healthy airway development as the child grows.

Prof. Yaron Haviv, working alongside Dr. Shirley Haviv, a pediatric dentist, integrates this collaborative approach into the evaluation of children with suspected sleep-disordered breathing.