Simply put, smoking isn’t good for you! Not only is it notorious for causing a slew of health problems, particularly oral health issues, but it can also negatively affect your sleep apnea. And recent studies have found that secondhand smoke can also heavily contribute to these problems in those around you, especially children! Keep reading to learn more from your sleep dentist about this condition and how smoking can make it worse not just for you, but also for your little one.
What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of people—it’s characterized by your breathing being disrupted repeatedly throughout the night while you’re sleeping. One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is chronic snoring. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea usually experience a drop in their oxygen levels—and this can be quite detrimental to children who are still developing. Additionally, the simple loss of sleep that’s associated with the condition can lead to stress, fatigue, and other problems that affect the overall health of children. Needless to say, it’s a condition that needs to be treated regardless of your age!
The Link Between Secondhand Smoke & Sleep Apnea
Believe it or not, sleep apnea is actually quite rare in children, having only a 4% prevalence rate. However, a study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that children between the ages of 3 and 18 were much more likely to develop the condition if they were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. This also often led to more severe sleep apnea symptoms in the affected children.
However, it’s important to note that a cause-and-effect relationship between smoking and sleep apnea hasn’t been established yet. That said, other risk factors include obesity, enlarged tonsils, a small or misshapen jaw, craniofacial syndromes, muscle weakness, and more.
Identifying Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea can be difficult to detect in children because the symptoms sometimes manifest differently than what’s seen in adults. You should be mindful of the following:
- Chronic, loud snoring.
- Daytime fatigue.
- Difficulty paying attention.
- Pauses in their breathing during sleep.
Of course, the best way to confirm that your child has sleep apnea is to have them undergo a sleep study. A special and noninvasive device will be used to monitor their vital signs during the night to help narrow down the nature of their condition. If it’s sleep apnea, they can then receive appropriate treatment.
Your child has no control over whether or not you smoke—so if it’s influencing their sleep apnea, you can greatly help them and yourself by kicking the habit!
About the Practice
Lake Nona Dental Group is proud to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Orlando area. The practice is fortunate to house six skilled specialists that are capable of providing a wide range of available services including sleep apnea therapy. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or would like to arrange an appointment, you can contact the practice online to find an office near you.
