Tethered oral tissues as a differential diagnostic tool in infants and toddlers presenting with obstructive sleep apnea and air induced reflux
Lawrence Kotlow
Abstract
Background
Paediatric dentists treating infants presenting with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or sleep apnoea can see a clinical improvements of symptoms of over 90% in both air induced reflux and OSA.
Aims
The purpose of this paper is to open the eyes of the medical profession and health care community on need to understand that the ankylosed tongue needs to be included a differential diagnosis when evaluating infants having symptoms suggesting gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Methods
Surgical revisions using the 9300nm Carbon Dioxide Laser without the need for general anaesthetics in the dental office.
Results
Resolution or reduction of these problems often related to the tethered oral tissues can be seen in over 90% of infants within 24-48 hours.
Conclusion
Air induced reflux and Obstructive sleep disordered breathing are often the consequence of the ankylosed tongue and if allowed to go untreated can allow developmental problems which can last a life time. This may be a factor in the development of attention deficit disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD and ADHD) in children. Early intervention can potentially intercept this from occurring.
Full Text:
Paediatric dentists treating infants presenting with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or sleep apnoea can see a clinical improvements of symptoms of over 90% in both air induced reflux and OSA.
Aims
The purpose of this paper is to open the eyes of the medical profession and health care community on need to understand that the ankylosed tongue needs to be included a differential diagnosis when evaluating infants having symptoms suggesting gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Methods
Surgical revisions using the 9300nm Carbon Dioxide Laser without the need for general anaesthetics in the dental office.
Results
Resolution or reduction of these problems often related to the tethered oral tissues can be seen in over 90% of infants within 24-48 hours.
Conclusion
Air induced reflux and Obstructive sleep disordered breathing are often the consequence of the ankylosed tongue and if allowed to go untreated can allow developmental problems which can last a life time. This may be a factor in the development of attention deficit disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD and ADHD) in children. Early intervention can potentially intercept this from occurring.
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