As parents, we’re always on the lookout for anything that could impact our child’s health or happiness.
But what if the issue arises while you’re all asleep?
If your child experiences restless nights, snores, or seems unusually tired during the day, it might be tempting to dismiss it as just a phase.
However, these could be signs of something more serious, like pediatric sleep apnea, which needs early treatment. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for improving sleep and ensuring your child has the energy and focus they need to thrive each day.
5 Common Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea
- Lack of Activity: Children with sleep apnea often experience daytime fatigue, which can lead to decreased activity levels. They may lack the energy to engage in physical or social activities they typically enjoy.
- Weight Concerns: Weight is just one factor; focusing on healthy habits and overall well-being is crucial rather than just numbers on a scale.
- Genetics: Your child might be more susceptible if your family has a history of sleep-related issues.
- Not Getting Enough Sleep: Poor sleep quality or quantity is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Children may seem restless during the night, wake up frequently, or have difficulty staying asleep.
- Jaw Alignment Issues: A lower jaw that sits too far back can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, potentially leading to pediatric sleep apnea.
6 Behaviors Parents Should Watch For
- ADHD-Like Symptoms: Many children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit symptoms similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), such as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Snoring: Loud snoring happens when the upper airway is partially blocked, causing the throat muscles to vibrate. While occasional snoring may not be a cause for concern, persistent snoring could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and should be evaluated by a sleep specialist.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can indicate sleep apnea in children. In cases of obstructive sleep apnea, the body might clench the jaw to help reopen the airway, leading to grinding.
- Lethargy and Daytime Drowsiness: Children with sleep apnea might appear lethargic or unmotivated during the day. They may struggle to stay awake or even fall asleep in unusual situations, such as during class or while playing.
- Bedwetting: Children with obstructive sleep apnea may experience disruptions in their sleep cycle, which can affect bladder control and lead to bedwetting or frequent nighttime awakenings to use the bathroom.
- Declining Academic Performance: Poor sleep can lead to trouble focusing, memory issues, and behavioral problems, all of which can adversely affect school performance. Children with sleep apnea might struggle with poor grades due to frequent disruptions in their sleep.
Can Orthodontic Issues Be a Sign of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Orthodontic issues in children can sometimes signal underlying sleep disorders.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be linked to anatomical factors such as jaw alignment, the position of the soft palate, or the size of the upper airway.
Children with a lower jaw that is set too far back or with crowded teeth might be at a higher risk for OSA, as these structural problems can narrow the airway and lead to breathing difficulties during sleep.
What are the Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea on Oral Development?
Children with untreated sleep apnea might develop a high-arched palate, misaligned teeth, or a small lower jaw, which can worsen their symptoms.
Chronic lack of oxygen and poor sleep quality can also lead to serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, behavioral problems, and an increased risk of heart disease later in life.
Does Dr. Lee Diagnose Sleep Apnea in Children?
While Dr. Lee specializes in orthodontic care, he does not diagnose pediatric sleep apnea.
If sleep apnea is suspected, Dr. Lee will refer the child to a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
These professionals will conduct a comprehensive sleep study, which is the definitive test for diagnosing sleep apnea. The study measures the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) to assess the severity of the condition.
An AHI of 25 or greater indicates pediatric sleep apnea. Following diagnosis, Dr. Lee can collaborate with the pediatrician or ENT to address any orthodontic issues that might contribute to the sleep disorder.
How Does Dr. Lee Address Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Dr. Lee uses palatal expanders to treat children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly when CPAP machines are not well tolerated.
Palatal expanders work by gradually widening the upper jaw, which helps to open the upper airway and reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
This treatment usually lasts about 14 months. Afterward, your child may be fitted with a retainer or a snore guard to maintain the results.
Early Orthodontic Intervention Can Make a Difference in Treating Pediatric Sleep Apnea!
Contact Loudoun Orthodontics if snore guards are the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic care or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (703) 858-0303 or message us through our Contact Us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary consultation!
Our office, located at 19465 Deerfield Ave. Suite 304, Leesburg, VA 20176, proudly serves the Loudoun County area, as well as the Lansdowne, VA area. So, if you’re residing in Ashburn, Leesburg, or Sterling and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Northern Virginia, don’t hesitate to visit our office!
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