Adenoid Hypertrophy in Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing and Craniofacial Growth: The Emerging Role of Dentistry

Abstract

sleep disordered breathing (SDB); and can be an etiologic cause of altered craniofacial growth characterized by long face, retrusive chin, and narrow maxilla. Early detection and treatment may mitigate or resolve negative effects of adenoid hypertrophy. Adenoidectomy remains a front line treatment for the majority of cases, although alternative treatments must be considered when different SDB etiologies and co-morbidities are present. Best available evidence suggests that rapid maxillary expansion and adenoidectomy work synergistically to resolve SDB symptoms, and often both treatments are necessary for full treatment effect. Conclusions: Primary care dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists have an important role in early detection of adenoid hypertrophy. Emerging evidence continues to demonstrate dental treatments as playing an increasingly important role in multidisciplinary management of pediatric SDB.