Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that affects adults and children, even newborns. This disorder is dangerous and it needs to be taken seriously.
If your child has any of the following symptoms, please bring them into Legacy Smiles Family Dental as soon as possible for treatment:
· Loud snoring, often paired with snorting, gasping, and choking
· Long pauses in breathing while he or she is sleeping
· Excessive sweating at night
· Waking up with headaches
· Daytime sleepiness
· Irritability
· Hyperactivity
· Difficulty concentrating
This is a very serious condition that needs attention immediately. If your child’s breathing temporarily pauses for more than 10 seconds throughout the night, the oxygen levels in the blood severely decrease, which is why the body responds by choking. Treatments for this disorder generally involve surgery if your child has large tonsils or adenoids. Treatments can also include the use of an oral appliance—one that fits perfectly in the mouth and keeps the airways open. For some, treatment simply includes waiting for the child’s throat and airways to grow larger and stiffen.
If you would like to know more about sleep apnea in children, please feel free to call our office at 208-888-3311 and schedule an appointment with Dr. John McMurray. Your dentist will be happy to help you in any way they can!