Bedwetting is a common finding in children.  A child drinks fluids before bedtime, constipation, or an episode of emotional stress can cause a nighttime bedwetting accident.  For most children, nighttime bedwetting does resolve itself over time.  If nighttime bedwetting accidents become frequent; the child should be checked and evaluated for possible sleep-disordered breathing.

What is sleep-disordered breathing?

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ENT), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a general term for breathing difficulties during sleep.  It is a medical condition where part, or all, of the airway is blocked repeatedly during sleep. These are some of the symptoms of pediatric SDB:

·            Snoring

·       Irritability

·       Bedwetting-SDB can cause increased urine production at night, which may lead to bedwetting

·       Learning difficulties

What does a tongue tie have to do with sleep?

Dr. Richard Baxter’s article, Tongue-Ties and Sleep Issues, published from Dental Sleep Practice in winter 2018 discusses the following:

·        “A tongue that is held down by a tie is unable to rest in the palate.  The only place left for the tongue to go is backward, which closes off part of the airway.”  Snoring from upper airway resistance can be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or sleep disordered breathing.

·       “After tongue tie release, patient notices a deeper quality of sleep and the parents notice less snoring, less waking, and better mood in their child.”

Tongue Tie and Bedwetting 

Dr. Richard Baxter’s book, Tongue-Tied, discusses the association between tongue tie and bedwetting.

·       Sleep-disordered breathing causes lack of deep sleep in children and adults

·       Lack of deep sleep can cause bedwetting

·       Sleep-disordered breathing causes frequent arousals (interruptions), which can cause the child to have the urge to urinate

·       Recent systematic review of removing tonsils and adenoids showed that bedwetting improved in more than 60% of the patients and 50% had a complete resolution of symptoms.

·       Tongue tie release can allow the child to achieve deeper sleep levels and stop bedwetting

·       Removal of tonsils and adenoids, the application of maxillary expander (orthodontic treatment), and tongue tie release can all work together to improve sleep quality.

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  Dr. Anna Lee is an experienced provider for Laser lip and tongue tied frenectomy (releases) for infants, children and adults.  If you have any questions about lip and tongue tied frenectomy, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a consultation at 626-335-5114.