From oral facial dysfunction to dysmorphism and the onset of pediatric OSA

The upper airway is a collapsible tube, and its collapsibility increases during sleep. Extrinsic factors such as atypical craniofacial features may increase the risks of airway collapse. We review early development of oral-facial structures and the anatomical variants that may be present at birth and can impact nasal breathing. After birth, there is a continuous interaction between orofacial functions and growth of anatomic features. We review the dysfunctions identified to date that may impact orofacial development leading to sleep-disordered-breathing through changes in the orofacial growth. The identification of risk-factors, ultimately leading to full-blown obstructive sleep apnea, may allow early recognition of these factors and the development of treatments to eliminate early problems or at least decrease their impact.