When parents think about dental health, sleep usually isn’t top of mind. But kids’ dentists are seeing more connections between how children sleep, how they breathe, and how their smiles grow over time.
For example, kids who tend to breathe through their mouths - especially while sleeping - may experience dry mouths more often. Saliva helps protect teeth, so when the mouth stays dry overnight,it can create an environment where cavities are more likely to form.
Many parents are surprised to learn that kids’ dentists often notice early signs of breathing or sleep-related patterns during routine exams. Things like tooth wear, tongue positioning, or jaw growth can offer helpful clues. It doesn’t mean something is wrong - it simply gives kids dentists more context to support healthy growth as children develop.
Breathing habits can also play a role in how the jaw and teeth develop. Mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep may sometimes be linked to crowding or bite concerns as kids grow. That doesn’t mean there’s always a problem - but it’s helpful information for kids dentists to consider during regular checkups.
Every child is different, and there’s no single “right” way kids should sleep or breathe. The goal isn’t to diagnose at home, but simply to notice patterns and bring questions to your dental visits. Open conversations help kids’ dentists support healthy development in a way that feels comfortable and stress-free for families.
At The Spot for Smiles, we take a whole-child approach to dental care and love partnering with parents every step of the way. We make dental visits fun, engaging, and easy to look forward to. Give us a call! We have kid’s dental offices in Elk Grove (916) 290-0029 and Folsom(916) 283-3850.
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