Snoring is common in children, and it is not always a problem. But sometimes it is a clue. Snoring can come from congestion, sleep position, or the shape of a child’s airway, and in some cases it is a sign of sleep-disordered breathing that deserves a closer look.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ronnel Azizollahi
SCO Board Certified Orthodontist. Double graduate of UC San Francisco (dental school and orthodontic residency).
Reviewed: July 22, 2026 · Read Dr. Azizollahi’s bio
We screen for signs of airway-related concerns as part of an orthodontic exam. We do not diagnose sleep apnea. A diagnosis of sleep apnea or a sleep-related breathing disorder can only be made by a physician, and it may involve an evaluation by a pediatrician, an ENT, a sleep physician, or a sleep study. We work alongside those providers, not in place of them.
Get a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation
Schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation and discover how we can help your child’s smile shine bright.
Why children snore
- A narrow airway or blocked nose
- Relaxed throat tissue during deep sleep
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids (very common in kids)
- Jaw position or crowded airway space
- Allergies or congestion
When snoring is worth an evaluation
Occasional snoring is usually nothing. Consider asking a physician if the snoring is:
- Happening most nights of the week
- Loud enough to hear from another room
- Paired with pauses in breathing, choking, or gasping
- Coming with daytime tiredness, irritability, or trouble focusing
Where we come in
During an orthodontic exam we can screen for airway-related risk factors that sometimes go with snoring, such as a narrow upper jaw or mouth breathing. If we see them, we will point you toward the right evaluation. We do not diagnose the cause of snoring, and orthodontic treatment does not guarantee that snoring will stop. What we can do is help you figure out whether it is worth a physician’s attention.
Related topics
Sources: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Policy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea; American Association of Orthodontists white paper on sleep-disordered breathing and orthodontics.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Schedule an airway and snoring screening visit to see what your child’s growth and bite may be telling us.
