Dr. Shereen Lim Speaking

The Dental Professional’s Role in Screening and Managing Sleep-Disturbed Breathing in Children

Dental professionals have an important role in screening for sleep disturbed breathing, and risk factors such as deficient jaw development and oral dysfunction.

In addition, they have a role in the team management of dental and oral risk factors to address breathing disorders and developing an optimal airway for children.

This presentation for both dental and non-dental audiences provides an overview of what the dental profession can offer to identify and manage at risk children and relieve the burden of sleep disorders.

Key outcomes
Attendees will learn: 

• Why dental professionals are well placed to screen and manage for sleep disturbed breathing
• The relevant history and physical findings to look for during assessment
• The evidence-based treatment pathways to address dentofacial risk factors including orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy and tongue tie release

There is growing awareness that tongue ties and restricted tongue ties may result in various functional problems from infancy through to adulthood.

Dr Lim can provide an overview of the various challenges, signs and symptoms that may arise when tongue mobility is restricted.

Her expertise in new tongue tie research means she can share the most recent evidence in the field,
including compelling new work that links untreated tongue ties with the development of sleep disturbed breathing later in life.

Dr Lim will discuss tongue tie assessment and diagnosis, and the team approach to management for different age groups

Key outcomes
Attendees will learn about:

• The important role of the tongue during breastfeeding, swallowing, speech, palate development, breathing and sleep 
• Current screening tools and their limitations 
• The role of tongue tie release to optimise oral function through case examples across all age groups 

Airway problems including snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are associated with increased risk of serious health and developmental consequences later in life. These issues often begin in infancy, with the way the mouth functions, and how the jaw structures grow.

Although there have been advances in precision sleep medicine for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, the best opportunity to ensure optimal health and quality of life is to promote nasal breathing, and good airway development from infancy.

This presentation provides an overview of what to look for and the need for greater integration between child health professionals to identify and manage problems early.

Key outcomes
Attendees will gain greater understanding of:

• The developmental origins of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
• The importance of restorative sleep in the earliest years of life 
• The important role of breastfeeding for good airway development 
• Other early warning signs that airway health is off track 
• Why greater integration between healthcare professions is necessary to secure optimal jaw and airway development early as possible, and ensure optimal breathing, sleep, daytime function and future health for children
  

Dr. Lim speaking on a panel discussion: Airway Warning Signs in Children