An orthodontist can widen the child’s palate so the upper jaw expands, and that in turn expands the nasal passages, reports New York Daily News.
If your child shores, that could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing while asleep. Sleep apnea can cause serious health problems and children as young as 4 or 5 have been diagnosed with it.
An orthodontist can in fact widen the nasal airway when the palate is expanded. This is excellent treatment. In order to maintain this improvement the child has to have training or it will relapse. Following the widening, the child must nose breathe only, rest the tongue in the front part of the palate just behind the upper front teeth,the teeth are slightly apart, and the lips are together. Without the above, the improved nasal airway will be lost.
However treatment can start at a much earlier age.
Starting with the infant, the mother makes sure that only nose breathing is allowed. When breathing through the nose, the tongue is between the upper jaw and presses outward. This stimulates lateral growth of a wide jaw and palate, an improved nasal airway, more healthy sinuses, reduced risk of enlarged tonsils and adenoids.