Sleep apnea in children- role of Dentist Mehta Sachin Dev1, Professor, Singh Harpal, Professor, Kaur Harkamal, Senior Lecturer, Kalucha Aman, Senior Lecturer 1Address for Correspondence: Dr. Sachin Dev Mehta Professor Department of Conservative and Endo, Desh Bhagat Dental College and Hospital, Muktsar, Punjab (India
Online published on 7 December, 2011. Abstract Approximately 3 to 12 percent children around the world snore and out of them 1 to 10 percent may have obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Risk factors for paediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome include adenotonsillar hypertrophy, Down's syndrome, obesity, family history of snoring or any condition leading to narrowing of upper airway Untreated obstructive sleep apnea also is associated with motor vehicle accidents, poor work performance, occupational accidents and reduced quality of life. This constellation of issues affects children on personal, social and often professional levels. Dental practitioners may lack educational exposure and, as a result, feel uncomfortable asking their patients sleep related questions. Dental professionals have a unique doctor-patient relationship that affords them a role in recognizing sleep disorders by exploring the history of patients who are sleepy. In this article, an effort has been made to highlight the role of general dental practitioner in spotting a case of obstructive sleep apnea in children and assist in their management and appropriate referral. Top Keywords Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, Paediatric, Dental professionals. Top |