Assessment of Tonsillar Hypertrophy, Tongue Position, Obesity, and Dentofacial Deformities among Children Aged 8-12 Years.

Introduction: Sleep quality in children is crucial for their growth and development. Sleep-related issues, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are common among children. OSA involves partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disturbed sleep patterns and potential health issues. Factors contributing to OSA include adenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, tongue position, and craniofacial abnormalities. Dentists play a vital role in identifying OSA as they frequently assess oral health. This study aimed to evaluate tonsil size, tongue position, obesity, and craniofacial deformities in children with OSA.

Patients/methods: Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was collected from parents and assent from children. The sample consisted of 176 children aged 8-12 with diagnosed OSA. Inclusion criteria included the specified age range and parental consent, while exclusion criteria included genetic syndromes, craniofacial malformations, neuromuscular diseases, and certain neurodevelopmental conditions. Assessment tools included tonsil size, tongue position, skeletal and dental malocclusion, and obesity based on body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentiles.

Results: (1) OSA prevalence was higher in children under 10 (60.9%) than in those aged 10-12 (39.1%). Tonsil size did not significantly vary with age. (2) Gender did not significantly affect tonsil size, tongue position, or obesity. (3) Tongue position assessments revealed posterior tongue positions [Friedman tongue position (FTP) III] in a higher proportion of children with OSA. (4) Obesity was prevalent in both genders, with no significant gender difference. (5) Dentofacial deformities showed that skeletal class II malocclusion was more common.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, tongue position, obesity, and dentofacial deformities in pediatric OSA. Tonsillar hypertrophy was a prominent factor, emphasizing the need for assessment and intervention. Posterior tongue positioning was associated with OSA, indicating its role in airway constriction. Obesity was a notable risk factor, and dentofacial assessments can aid in identifying children at risk. Dentists can play a critical role in early OSA detection. Future research should explore longitudinal relationships between these factors and OSA and include a more diverse age range. Addressing these factors collectively can improve the management of pediatric OSA, enhancing children's overall health and quality of life.

How to cite this article: Jayakumar L, Gunasekaran S, Nainan PI, et al. Assessment of Tonsillar Hypertrophy, Tongue Position, Obesity, and Dentofacial Deformities among Children Aged 8-12 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(7):759-765.