Not only adults are susceptible to sleep disturbances. Children’s underdeveloped jaws and limited airways can lead to sleep apnea. Children may experience changes in mood, behavior, vigor, and energy in the absence of early intervention. Here are some of the signs your child may exhibit when struggling with sleep apnea:
- ADD/ADHD
- Bedwetting
- Chronic allergies
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Trouble at school
- Irritability
- Frequent headaches
- Snoring
- Restless sleep
- Aggressive behavior
- Daytime drowsiness
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Arrested growth
- Crowded, crooked teeth
If your child is experiencing any of the aforementioned problems, untreated sleep apnea may be to blame. To make an appointment for an evaluation, please get in touch with our Wesley Chapel dental office. Dr. Lee Daniels will assist your child in finding the best therapy if they do indeed have sleep apnea. The Vivos® appliance will address sleep apnea, improve breathing, and enhance general oral health if an underdeveloped jaw is to blame.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT SLEEP APNEA?
Oral appliance therapy is the leading alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and Dr. Daniels “The Sleep Dentist” is certified to perform this treatment. He will help you determine the appropriate therapy based on your medical history, oral exam, and personal needs.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or have severe sleep apnea and cannot wear a CPAP, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Daniels can construct an oral appliance that will help keep your airway open as you sleep, helping you feel relaxed and rejuvenated following sleep instead of tired!
CPAP Mask
Vs
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
- Mask worn over the face at night
- Hose attached to a machine
- Restricted movement
- Uncomfortable to sleep in
- Noise from blowing air into face mask
- Difficult to travel with
- Limits sleeping positions
- Retainer-like appliance worn over teeth
- Small, comfortable and portable
- Protects teeth against damage from clenching and grinding
- No noise, hose or replacement parts
- Does not require electricity
- Can be worn while flying on an airplane, camping, hunting, or at home
- You can sleep on your side, stomach or back when you use an oral appliance
Are snoring and sleep apnea the same thing?
No. Snoring is a noise made while sleeping due to the vibrations of a narrow airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat closes and you stop breathing. Sleep apnea is deadly. Snoring is loud and annoying.
Who can get sleep apnea?
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, and the following are risk factors:
- Obesity
- 40-60 year old
- Drinking alcohol
- Large tonsils, adenoids, tongue, uvula or small jaw
- Nasal congestion, sinus problems, or allergies
- Family history of OSA
- Poor muscle tone in oral structures
- Smoking or regular exposure to smoke
How can obstructive sleep apnea decrease quality of life?
OSA can cause daytime fatigue causing individuals to doze off while driving or at work due to insufficient rest. It can also cause those with sleep apnea to wake up choking, gasping, or snorting during the night. Others will have to go the bathroom regularly during the night and experience a decreased sex drive. Morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and acid reflux may also occur. Oxygen deprivation as a result of OSA can contribute to depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
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June, 2023
