Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by the recurrence of interrupted breathing during sleep and results in a chronic lack of deep, restful sleep. When adults have this disorder, they are likely to experience daytime sleepiness, but when it occurs in children, they are more likely to have behavioral issues. Sleep apnea in children is linked to ADHD-like behavioral issues as well as mood disorders and learning problems.
The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is enlarged adenoids or tonsils. These soft tissue glands near the back of the throat partially block the windpipe during sleep.
Signs that your child might have a sleep-related breathing disorder:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Constant tossing and turning
- Night panics
- Bed-wetting
Behaviors associated with childhood sleep apnea:
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty paying attention
- Learning problems
- Perform poorly in school
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
- Surgery to remove adenoids or tonsils: If the issue is enlarged adenoids or tonsils, they can be removed.
- CPAP machine: A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine delivers mild air pressure through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
- Palatal expander: A palatal expander is a device that widens the palate of the mouth, which increases airflow.
- Oral appliances: Dental devices that are similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard, an oral appliance might be recommended for older children with sleep apnea by keeping the airways open.
Identifying and treating sleep apnea in children can drastically improve their sleep and well-being.
Pediatric Dentistry
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by the recurrence of interrupted breathing during sleep and results in a chronic lack of deep, restful sleep. When adults have this disorder, they are likely to experience daytime sleepiness, but when it occurs in children, they are more likely to have behavioral issues. Sleep apnea in children is linked to ADHD-like behavioral issues as well as mood disorders and learning problems.
The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is enlarged adenoids or tonsils. These soft tissue glands near the back of the throat partially block the windpipe during sleep.
Signs that your child might have a sleep-related breathing disorder:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Constant tossing and turning
- Night panics
- Bed-wetting
Behaviors associated with childhood sleep apnea:
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty paying attention
- Learning problems
- Perform poorly in school
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
- Surgery to remove adenoids or tonsils: If the issue is enlarged adenoids or tonsils, they can be removed.
- CPAP machine: A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine delivers mild air pressure through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
- Palatal expander: A palatal expander is a device that widens the palate of the mouth, which increases airflow.
- Oral appliances: Dental devices that are similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard, an oral appliance might be recommended for older children with sleep apnea by keeping the airways open.
Identifying and treating sleep apnea in children can drastically improve their sleep and well-being.
Pediatric Dentistry
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Your child’s first tooth is a big developmental milestone, so it’s important for you to know what to expect and how to maintain your child’s teeth when they start coming in. It’s just as vital to take care of baby teeth as it is permanent teeth, even though the baby […]
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Share This Article, Choose Your Platform!
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by the recurrence of interrupted breathing during sleep and results in a chronic lack of deep, restful sleep. When adults have this disorder, they are likely to experience daytime sleepiness, but when it occurs in children, they are more likely to have behavioral issues. Sleep apnea in children is linked to ADHD-like behavioral issues as well as mood disorders and learning problems.
The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is enlarged adenoids or tonsils. These soft tissue glands near the back of the throat partially block the windpipe during sleep.
Signs that your child might have a sleep-related breathing disorder:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Constant tossing and turning
- Night panics
- Bed-wetting
Behaviors associated with childhood sleep apnea:
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty paying attention
- Learning problems
- Perform poorly in school
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
- Surgery to remove adenoids or tonsils: If the issue is enlarged adenoids or tonsils, they can be removed.
- CPAP machine: A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine delivers mild air pressure through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
- Palatal expander: A palatal expander is a device that widens the palate of the mouth, which increases airflow.
- Oral appliances: Dental devices that are similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard, an oral appliance might be recommended for older children with sleep apnea by keeping the airways open.
Identifying and treating sleep apnea in children can drastically improve their sleep and well-being.
Pediatric Dentistry
Related Articles
-
Your child’s first tooth is a big developmental milestone, so it’s important for you to know what to expect and how to maintain your child’s teeth when they start coming in. It’s just as vital to take care of baby teeth as it is permanent teeth, even though the baby […]
-
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral essential for proper tooth development.
Benefits of fluoride:
- Strengthens tooth enamel, by capturing minerals in saliva and forcing them into the tooth’s makeup
- Inhibits bacterial metabolism, slowing down the growth of bacteria and their reducing their acidic byproduct, which can weaken tooth enamel
- Inhibits tooth […]