Associations between skeletal discrepancies, breathing pattern, and upper airway obstruction in Class III malocclusions

OBJECTIVE

To verify the associations between sagittal and vertical skeletal discrepancies, changes in upper airways, and breathing pattern in children and adolescents with Angle Class III and Class III subdivision malocclusions.

METHODS

Eighty-five children and adolescents with a mean age of 9.5 ± 1.74 years were selected. Cephalometry assessed the sagittal relationship (AO-BO measurement), facial types (Ricketts VERT index), nasopharynx, and oropharynx. An otorhinolaryngologist analyzed the breathing pattern and upper airway obstruction during anamnesis, physical examination, anterior rhinoscopy, and nasofibroscopy. Medical records were also reviewed. For statistical analysis, ordinary one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis (Tukey's post-hoc), unpaired t-test, Pearson's correlation, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05) were used.

RESULTS

The nasopharyngeal cephalometric dimension and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy were associated, whereas the oropharyngeal cephalometric dimension and palatine tonsils hypertrophy were not. Sagittal discrepancies were associated with septum deviation, while facial type was associated with inferior turbinate and palatine tonsils hypertrophy. However, facial type was not associated with breathing pattern, septum deviation, and pharyngeal tonsils hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Sagittal discrepancies and type of malocclusion were not associated with breathing pattern and changes in upper airways, except for the severity of septum deviation and Class III malocclusions, which were associated with large sagittal discrepancies. Although the facial types analyzed presented signs of airway obstruction, the highest prevalence of inferior turbinate and palatine tonsils hypertrophy were found in patients with dolichofacial type.

[Symptoms, causes, and treatment options of geriatric nose]

With increasing age, structures of the internal and external nose change. Many elderly patients complain about rhinitis with nasal obstruction, endonasal crusting, epistaxis, intermittent rhinorrhea, and olfactory disorders. These symptoms are mainly caused by atrophy of the mucosa and the olfactory epithelium, but may also be an expression of drug side effects. Additionally, there are changes in the shape of the nose (continuous growth, altered elasticity of supporting structures) and in the dermis, which may develop tumors due to its sun-exposed position. These multiple internal and external changes of the nose can be summarized by the collective term "aging nose," whose treatment options are complex. These range from conservative (nasal care, medication changes, hemostatic measures) to surgical lines of therapy (septorhinoplasty, tumor excision, vascular ligation) and will require further scientific study in the future.

Association of clinical indicators in TMJ, craniofacial, occlusal, and upper airway changes with symptoms of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and mouth-breathing

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between self-reported symptoms of pediatric OSA and clinical signs in MB children.

METHODS

Seventy-three MB children aged 7-14 years answered an interview questionnaire on OSA symptoms in childhood, focusing on chewing, nasal, and sleep disturbances. MB children were checked for changes on the craniofacial, occlusion, TMJ, upper airway, and body posture by a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of medical residents, dental, and psychology postgraduate students. Multiple logistic regression analysis verified the association between clinical signs and self-reported symptoms.

RESULTS

Reported symptoms of chewing disturbance as TMD noise, muscle pain, and morning headache were significantly associated with the presence of lip incompetence and Class II malocclusion. Sleep disturbances as snoring, waking up at night, daytime sleepiness, and sleeping with the mouth open were significantly associated with the presence of hypertrophic tonsils and obstructive Mallampati score.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of pediatric OSA were found in mouth-breathing children, which should be carefully investigated in order to prevent OSA in the future.

A non-randomized concurrent controlled trial of myofunctional treatment in the mixed dentition children with functional mouth breathing assessed by cephalometric radiographs and study models

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the clinical effects of myofunctional treatment on children with functional mouth breathing by cephalometric radiographs and study models.

METHODS

A total of 224 children (6-10 years old; 114 males and 110 females; SNA°: 82.24 ± 1.67°; ANB°: 2.79 ± 0.80°, 28° < SN-GoGn° < 37°) formed three groups: MB-M group (mouth breathers with myofunctional treatment,n = 75); MB-N group (mouth breathers with no treatment,n = 70); NB group (nasal breathers with no treatment, n = 79). A blind evaluation of cephalometric radiographs and study models was conducted at T1(pre-study) and T2 (post-study), respectively.

RESULTS

Two hundred four children (MB-M:66, MB-N:68, NB:70) completed the present study. At T1, MB-M and MB-N groups, compared to their NB counterpart, had greater anterior lower facial height(P < 0.01) and overjet(P < 0.001) but shorter overbite and maxillary canines width (P < 0.001). At T2, the MB-N group exhibited a higher ANB angle, anterior lower facial height, and overjet, but shorter overbite and maxillary canines width (P < 0.001). From T1 to T2, the anterior lower facial height increased, overbite and the maxillary canines width further decreased in the MB-N group (P < 0.001). However, in the MB-M group, the incisors were retracted, overbite increased (P < 0.001), anterior lower facial height increased insignificantly (P > 0.05), and maxillary canines width increased slightly (P < 0.05). In the NB and MB-M groups, the mandible showed a normal tendency to grow forward, whereas, in the MB-N group, the mandible showed a tendency to grow downward (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Mouth breathers demonstrated increased anterior facial height and overjet but reduced overbite and maxillary arch width, which improved significantly following myofunctional treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TCTR: TCTR20220401001 . Registered 1stApril 2022-Retrospectively registered.

Comparison of infrared thermography of the face between mouth-breathing and nasal-breathing children

PURPOSE

To compare the temperature of thermoanatomic points and areas of the upper and lower lips between mouth-breathing and nasal-breathing children.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study had a sample of 30 nasal-breathing and 30 mouth-breathing children aged 4 to 11 years. One front-view, one left-view, and one right-view infrared thermogram of the face were acquired from each participant. A total of 14 thermoanatomic points plus the upper lip and lower lip areas were marked on the front-view thermograms, while on the side-view thermograms, six thermoanatomic points were marked. The research also calculated the difference between the temperature of the upper and lower lip areas (∆T area) and between the temperature of the points on the upper and lower lips (∆T points). The normalized mean temperatures of points and areas and temperature differences were compared between groups with the t-test and Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The temperature of the thermoanatomic points closest to the lip (nasolabial, Labial Commissure, and lower labial), areas of the lips, and external acoustic meatus was lower in mouth breathers than in nasal breathers, which did not happen for most other points. ∆T area and ∆T points were not different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Thermography is a promising complementary diagnostic tool, since showed mouth-breathing children had lower temperatures in the region of the lips than nasal breathers.

Montelukast in Adenoid Hypertrophy: Its Effect on Size and Symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (AH) is considered the most common cause of upper respiratory tract obstruction among children. It results in a spectrum of symptoms from mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, hyponasal speech, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to growth failure and cardiovascular morbidity. Adenotonsillectomy is a typical strategy for patients with AH, but may lead to serious complications such as bleeding (4-5%) and postoperative respiratory compromise (27%), especially among young children, as well as recurrence of adenoid tissue (10-20%). Thus, non-surgical therapies have attracted considerable attention as an alternative strategy. The inflammatory mechanism proposed for AH has lead to the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to manage this condition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chewable tablets of montelukast, a cysteinyl- leukotriene receptor antagonist, in children with AH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty children between the ages of 4-12 years with >75% choanal obstruction on primary nasal endoscopy were recruited in this randomized, placebo-controlled trial and randomly divided into two groups. The study group was treated with montelukast 5 mg daily for 12 weeks while the control group received matching placebo for the same period of time. A questionnaire was completed by each child's parent/guardian to assess the severity of sleep discomfort, snoring, and mouth breathing before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Adenoid size decreased in 76% of the study group compared with 3% of the placebo group after 12 weeks. A statically significant improvement was observed in the study group compared with the placebo group in terms of sleep discomfort, snoring, and mouth breathing. The symptoms average total score dropped from 7.7 to 3.3 in the study group, while in the placebo group the total score changed from 7.4 to 6.7.

CONCLUSION

Montelukast chewable tablets achieved a significant reduction in adenoid size and improved the related clinical symptoms of AH and can therefore be considered an effective alternative to surgical treatment in children with adenoid hypertrophy.

3D evaluation of cranial and dentofacial morphological differences between individuals with mouth breathing and nasal breathing

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to identify the morphological differences in cranial and dentofacial structures between individuals with mouth-breathing and nasal-breathing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 120 individuals, 60 each in the nasal breathing (NB) and mouth breathing (MB) groups. 3D stereophotogrammetry, lateral cephalometric radiographs, and intraoral examination results were recorded by the researchers to determine the morphological differences between the MB group and the NB group. The study utilized cephalometric radiographs for 2D hard tissue measurements and 3D stereophotogrammetric records for linear and angular measurements.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found between the NB and MB groups' SNB angles (respectively, 79.3 ± 3.04, 76.6 ± 4.24, and p=0.002). Also, the NB group's SN-GoGn angle was lower than the MB group's (respectively, 31.5 ± 5.12, 36.0 ± 5.55, and p=0.002). Considering the Jarabak ratio, the NB group's Jarabak ratio was higher than the MB group (respectively,65.7 ± 4.16, 62.6 ± 4.10, and p=0.014). In 3D stereophotogrammetry measurements, increased Li-Me' was detected in the MB group than in NB group.

CONCLUSION

Mouth breathing results in significant morphological differences that affect the development of both soft tissues and skeletal structures. Orthodontists utilize these characteristic features observed in mouth-breathing anomalies for early diagnosis and consider referring their patients for medical treatment of mouth breathing.

Awareness about Orthodontists' Role in Treating Osa and Mouth Breathing among Otolaryngologists

Background

Orthodontic correction of dentofacial abnormalities is a crucial component of oral health because it enhances overall oral health-related quality of life, optimal function, periodontal health, and aesthetics. This study sought to determine whether otolaryngologists recommend patients to orthodontists, whether they are adequately knowledgeable about the fundamentals of orthodontics, and whether they check for orthodontic problems in their patients.

Materials and Method

We conducted a survey study of otolaryngologists in Gujarat, India. Questionnaires were completed by 47 out of 60 otolaryngologists (response rate 78%).

Results

In the assessment of the mouth breathers, a very low frequency of "always" examining the extra-oral features (18%) was found. Reasons otolaryngologists referred patients to orthodontists varied from mouth breathing 48% (23/47) to face or teeth asymmetry 87% (41/47). In the multivariable analyses for the effect of gender, work sector, or years of experience in the decision for orthodontic referral, we could not identify any significant predictors. A low frequency of awareness of orthodontists' role in obstructive sleep apnoea, 48% (23/47) was found.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the survey of otolaryngologists in Gujarat, India, revealed areas for improvement in awareness and practices related to orthodontic issues, particularly in cases of mouth breathing. The study highlighted a low frequency of examination of extraoral features and variability in referral patterns, emphasizing potential gaps in knowledge. Additionally, a low awareness of orthodontists' role in treating obstructive sleep apnea was identified. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to enhance interdisciplinary communication and collaboration between otolaryngologists and orthodontists, ultimately fostering a more comprehensive approach to patient care for individuals with dentofacial deformities in Gujarat and potentially influencing practices on a broader scale.

Analysis of maxillary arch morphology and its relationship with upper airway in mouth breathing subjects with different sagittal growth patterns

OBJECTIVE

This three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) study assessed pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch in mouth breathing subjects with different skeletal classifications and analyzed the factors associated with the upper airway morphological variations in mouth breathing (MB) and nasal breathing (NB) subjects.

METHODS

One hundred and five subjects (52 MB and 53 NB children), divided into three skeletal groups: Class I (1° ≤ ANB° ≤ 5°), Class II (ANB° >5°), and Class III (ANB°<1°). An independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test were utilized in the group analysis of normal distributed data. The linear multiple regression test was applied to create a model for the airway volumes based on the maxillary arch parameters in different skeletal groups.

RESULTS

In three skeletal groups, NB individuals had greater oropharyngeal airway volume (OPV) and total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV) than MB. Maxillary arch parameters of intermolar width (IMW), intercanine width (ICW), and maxillary width of canines (MWC) were larger in NB participants than in MB subjects. In the MB group, we discovered that Class II individuals had lower NPV (nasopharyngeal airway volume) than Class I and Class III. MWC was lower in Class II subjects compared to Class I and Class III in both the NB and MB groups.

CONCLUSION

NB individuals had greater pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch parameters than MB subjects. Our model equation revealed that the inter-molar width (IMW) and palatal area (PA) parameters were the strongest predictors of total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV) in the skeletal Class II and Class I groups.

Evaluation of the Average Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Volume in 10-13-year-old Children: A Preliminary CBCT Study

Aim and objective

Mouth breathing is one of the most common deleterious habits prevalent in children which leads to various skeletal and dental malocclusions. Due to the close relationship between nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity volume and maxilla, transverse maxillary deficiency causes reduced nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity volume leading to mouth breathing. Therefore, knowledge of average nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity volume is essential to accurately diagnose mouth breathing and to evaluate underlying causative factors.

Materials and methods

Cone-beam computed tomographic scans of 60 children were taken and nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal volumes were calculated using Planmeca Romexis 5.2.0.R software. Average volumes were computed using predetermined landmarks and compared among gender.

Results

The nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal volume showed significant differences among the gender (p value < 0.001 and 0.018, respectively).

Conclusion and clinical significance

Knowledge of the average nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity volumes can be a useful diagnostic aid for mouth breathing patients and also assess the causative factors and treatment outcomes in these patients.

How to cite this article

Kalaskar R, Balasubramanian S, Kalaskar A. Evaluation of the Average Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Volume in 10–13-year-old Children: A Preliminary CBCT Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):187–191.

Sleep Difficulties and Symptoms of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Mouth Breathing

Aims and objectives

Persistent mouth breathing affects stomatognathic functions along with effects on the academics and social life of a child. Sleep-related problems and behavioral symptoms similar to that found in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be present in mouth breathers. This study aims at assessing the sleep disturbances and pattern of symptoms of ADHD in children with mouth breathing.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 children of mouth breathing (consecutively selected) in 7–12 years of age using semi-structured proforma, children's sleep habit questionnaire (CSHQ), and diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, version 5 (DSM 5). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 21. Mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were utilized during the analysis. p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Out of 100 children, 70 were males and 30 were females. On the CSHQ scale, the highest score was found on sleep-disordered breathing followed by sleep onset delay and daytime sleepiness. The commonest symptom of inattention was “failing to give close attention in school” (73%) whereas the commonest symptom of hyperactivity was “trouble waiting for his/her turn” (66%). Seven participants satisfied complete criteria for ADHD. Sleep duration and daytime sleepiness had a significant negative correlation with hyperactivity (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between daytime sleepiness and inattention (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Children with sleep disturbances or ADHD should be assessed for the presence of mouth breathing, as early identification and correction of mouth breathing may help to prevent unnecessary exposure to the medication.

Clinical significance

Children with ADHD or sleep disturbances should always be assessed for the presence of mouth breathing. Early identification and correction of mouth breathing may help in preventing unnecessary exposure to medication for treating ADHD.

How to cite this article

Kalaskar R, Bhaje P, Kalaskar A, et al. Sleep Difficulties and Symptoms of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Mouth Breathing. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):604–609.

The effects of adenoid hypertrophy and oral breathing on maxillofacial development: a review of the literature

According to modern epidemiological surveys, the prevalence of adenoid hypertrophy in children and adolescents ranges from 42% to 70%. Adenoid hypertrophy can lead to airway obstruction; thus forces a child to breathe through their mouth, thus affecting the normal development of the dental and maxillofacial area, and can lead to malocclusion. Long-term mouth breathing can cause sagittal, vertical and lateral changes in the maxillofacial area. In this article, we review the current research status relating to the association between adenoid hypertrophy, oral breathing and maxillofacial growth and development in children and adolescents. We also discuss the personalized formulation of treatment plans.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Upper Airway Volume: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Role of Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Mouth Breathing

Objective

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) has been extensively used in orthodontic practice for over a century, and it is claimed to benefit upper airway morphology. However, its effect in actually alleviating mouth breathing has remained unexplored. This systematic review was planned with an objective to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the effects of RME on upper airway volume and most importantly, its role in alleviating mouth breathing.

Methods

A literature search of electronic databases were done for the time period of 2000-2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs conducted on 8-15-year-old children who received bonded or banded RME and upper airway measured using three-dimensional (3D) imaging were included.

Results

Twelve studies (two RCTs, nine nonrandomized clinical trials, and one non-RCT) were included in this systematic review, and nine studies were included for meta-analysis. Among the evaluated parameters, nasal cavity volume showed a significant increase which was maintained even after the retention phase, whereas nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volume did not report a significant change.

Conclusion

Based on this systematic review, it can be concluded that RME causes a significant increase in nasal cavity volume, but its effect on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volume is not statistically significant in majority of studies. This increase in volume may not be considered as an equivalent for enhancement of airway and function unless proven so. In order to establish its significance in the improvement of breathing, it is necessary to conduct more well-designed RCTs with samples actually comprising mouth breathers.

How to cite this article

Balasubramanian S, Kalaskar R, Kalaskar A. Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Upper Airway Volume: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Role of Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Mouth Breathing. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):617-630.

Tongue microbiota in relation to the breathing preference in children undergoing orthodontic treatment

BACKGROUND

Mouth breathing (MB), a risk factor of oral dysbiosis and halitosis, is linked with craniofacial anomalies and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Here, we aimed to analyze tongue microbiota in children from the perspective of their breathing pattern before/during orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

This prospective case-control study included 30 children with orthodontic anomalies, 15 with MB and 15 with nasal breathing (NB), matched by age, sex, and body mass index. All underwent orthodontic examination and sleep apnea monitoring. Tongue swabs were collected before starting (timepoint M0) and approx. six months into the orthodontic therapy (timepoint M6). Oral candidas and bacteriome were analyzed using mass spectrometry technique and 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively.

RESULTS

MB was associated with higher apnea-hypopnea index. At M0, oral candidas were equally present in both groups. At M6, Candida sp. were found in six children with MB but in none with NB. No significant differences in bacterial diversity were observed between groups and timepoints. However, presence/relative abundance of genus Solobacterium was higher in children with MB than NB at M0.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant links between MB and the presence of genus Solobacterium (M0) as well as Candida sp. (M6) were found in children with orthodontic anomalies, highlighting the risk of halitosis in them.