Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Medicine

Abstract

Pediatric dental sleep medicine is a focus on the pediatric population where the craniofacial and head/neck complex is integral to the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep disorders in infants and children reflect an interplay among many factors, including the development and maintenance of the nervous system, impact of environmental influences, altered patterns of parent-child interaction, and presence of social stress and other medical conditions. When sleep is interrupted, it can significantly affect the body's ability to repair, grow, and restore itself. It has been hypothesized that these consequences during growth and development could create additional long-term effects. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) has shown an increase in prevalence and has been recognized as one of the most common and underdiagnosed chronic childhood diseases. Dentists can play a significant role in identifying, screening, and recognizing symptoms and physical characteristics that can lead to a referral for a medical diagnosis. With early intervention and recognition of signs and symptoms of POSA, potential adverse health sequelae and comorbid conditions can be prevented. This chapter provides an introduction of pediatric dental sleep medicine that reflects current insights as a starting point to explore this constantly dynamic field.