Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common issue many parents face as their children grow. While most children outgrow bedwetting with time – and many pediatricians will tell you to “just wait it out” – some continue to experience it well past the typical age. Our holistic pediatric dentist may have a solution for you.
If your child is still wetting the bed and you’ve ruled out the usual suspects like stress, bladder control issues, or deep sleep, it might be worth considering another possibility: airway obstruction.
At first glance, the connection between bedwetting and airway issues might seem unlikely. However, recent research suggests that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) – which includes conditions like sleep apnea or mouth breathing – could be a contributing factor to chronic bedwetting in children.
When a child’s airway is obstructed during sleep, it can interfere with their body’s natural sleep cycle, hormone regulation, and overall bladder control.
How Airway Obstruction Affects Bedwetting
When children have airway obstruction during sleep, they may experience fragmented, restless sleep, even if they appear to be asleep. This disturbed sleep prevents them from reaching the deeper stages of rest, where the body produces vasopressin, the hormone responsible for reducing urine production at night. Without enough vasopressin, the bladder fills up more rapidly, increasing the chances of accidents during the night.
Additionally, children who struggle with airway obstruction may not fully wake up when they feel the need to go to the bathroom, making it harder for them to respond to their body’s signals. This lack of responsiveness can also contribute to bedwetting.
Signs of Airway Obstruction in Children
Airway obstruction can manifest in several ways beyond bedwetting. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Mouth breathing during the day or night
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Difficulty waking up in the morning, even after a full night’s rest
- Restless or interrupted sleep
- Daytime fatigue or irritability
- Frequent ear infections or sore throats
- Bedwetting decreasing number of dry nights
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms in addition to bedwetting, it may be worth consulting with our holistic pediatric dentist, as dental issues like misaligned teeth or jaw posture can contribute to airway problems. At Smilebody in Santa Clarita, we can assess your child’s breathing patterns and suggest natural treatments.
What You Can Do
Addressing airway obstruction can significantly improve your child’s sleep quality and, in turn, help resolve bedwetting. Our holistic approach includes:
- Properly addressing any dental issues that could contribute to mouth breathing
- Encouraging nasal breathing exercises to improve airflow
- Holistic Nutritional Counseling to make certain your child develops optimally
- Ensuring proper sleep hygiene, such as suggestions on sleep environments and pre-bed routines
Watch as Dr. Ben discusses this in more depth –
By tackling the root cause—airway obstruction—together, we can help your child enjoy more restful sleep and move toward overcoming bedwetting naturally. If you suspect that your child’s bedwetting is linked to airway issues, our holistic pediatric dentist is experienced in sleep and airway management. Call us today to schedule your consultation! We’re here to support you every step of the way on your child’s growing journey—let’s take that next step together!