

Is your child unable to rest well at night? Do they struggle to breathe freely when sleeping? Do they appear fatigued or irritable throughout the day? The truth is that while there are many reasons why your child can be experiencing these symptoms, one of the most common causes might be sleep disordered breathing (SDB) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At Cornerstone Dental, our team of professionals is here to deliver proven treatment methods to address oral development issues and improve your child’s ability to breathe. With the HealthyStart program, you can begin to see a dramatic difference in the way your child acts and functions on a daily basis. To learn more about the program and what you need to know about SDB, contact us to schedule an appointment today.
When your child is asleep, SDB and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can occur when the tissues found in the throat collapse and cause a blockage preventing air from flowing freely through the upper airway and nasal passage. As a result, your child’s sleep may be frequently interrupted, and the oxygen in their blood may decrease.
Why this happens can be attributed to numerous causes, including:
Although some signs of SDB are easily mistaken for other conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), it’s necessary that you be mindful of the following symptoms, as they can cause your child to develop SDB or OSA:
The first step in diagnosing SDB in your child is to schedule a consultation with their medical physician. After answering a series of questions about your child’s health history and current symptoms, it may be necessary for your little one to undergo a sleep study. This will allow a sleep expert or physician to analyze data accumulated while your child sleeps that looks at their breathing patterns, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Once the information is collected and reviewed, a formal diagnosis will be provided to you and your child. It is at this time that our team at Cornerstone Dental can step in to assist in providing the necessary treatment.
Knowing how to treat SDB will be based on what is causing it in the first place. If your child’s inability to breathe and sleep at night is the result of improper development of the jaw and/or teeth, the HealthyStart program is a great way to help them start getting the rest they need while addressing what can become serious oral development issues. With the help of a custom-made orthodontic appliance, your child can adapt quickly to wearing the device at night while sleeping.
If you are unsure if your dental insurance company will cover the cost of treatment, don’t be afraid to talk to a member of our team who will be happy to help. Not only will we file any necessary paperwork and claims on your behalf, but we’ll also provide alternative payment methods to help with any out-of-pocket expenses.
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