Pediatric Dental Solutions For Sleep Apnea And Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing affect between 1% to 2% of children in the United States alone. While the numbers are relatively low, plenty of cases go undetected. Usually, snoring is a tell-tale sign that your child may be suffering from obstructive breathing, so it’s important to diagnose the problem early on. 

At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we specialize in detecting and treating sleep apnea. Get in touch with our team to help your child sleep and breathe better in no time!

What Causes Sleep Apnea In Children?

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder caused by a blockage in the airways. It occurs when the muscles in your child’s throat and tongue relax too much, resulting in the common problem of snoring. 

Although it seems normal for children to snore, sleep apnea poses more serious risks when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This is why it’s important to determine whether your child has one of the following types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea – OSA refers to intermittent breathing while your child is asleep.
• Central Sleep Apnea – CSA is only necessary if your child’s condition doesn’t improve with non-invasive treatments.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea – If your child has both OSA and CSA, they may require a mix of both OSA and CSA treatments.

Does Your Child Have Sleep Apnea?

 By visiting a trusted dentist or sleep specialist, you can help your child breathe and sleep comfortably. If your child displays any of these warning signs, you should take them for a check-up with a sleep specialist immediately:

• Loud snoring
• Pausing in between breaths
• Snorting and gasping for breath
• Heavy breathing during sleep
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Frequently shifting positions
• Low energy during the day
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Grogginess and fatigue
• Irritability from sleep interruptions
• Hyperactivity or ADHD
• Hormonal and metabolic imbalance
• Bed-wetting or sleep-walking

What Are The Pediatric Treatments For Sleep Apnea?

Before taking your child to our dental practice, it’s important to get an official sleep analysis from a certified sleep center or specialist. Once you have a diagnosis, we’ll recommend the best treatment for your child with one or more of the following options:

• Nutrition And Exercise – We can recommend diet and lifestyle changes to help overweight children manage sleep apnea naturally.
• Topical Nasal Steroids – These medications are a temporary fix for children with chronic nasal congestion.
• Dental Mouthpiece – A custom-made oral appliance is worn during sleep to help keep your child’s tongue in the optimal position.
• Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy – This procedure removes enlarged tonsils that block the passageway of air from the nose to the lungs.
• Maxillary expansion Due to a narrow palate which can constrict a child’s airway. This can develop due to a pacifier habit, thumb sucking habit, or as a byproduct of skeletal growth.
• CPAP or NIPPV Therapy – A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation device may be prescribed for young patients with central sleep apnea. 
• Referral to a pediatric sleep specialist For a sleep study and or a pediatric ENT for evaluation of oral and nasal airway constriction.

Manage Your Child’s Sleep Apnea At Children’s Dentistry Of Manatee

While some parents believe their kids can outgrow sleep apnea, it could cost your child their long-term health. At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we’re committed to improving children’s lives with our effective sleep apnea treatments. If you think your child is suffering from sleep apnea or disorders, you shouldn’t risk waiting before it’s too late. Consult with us today!