Did you know that even kids can suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is one of the group of conditions called sleep-disordered breathing.
Symptom of OSA in children include snoring, pauses in breathing while asleep, restless sleep, bizarre sleeping positions, unusual chest movements, bedwetting, hyperactivity, stunted growth and disruptive behaviour at school.
In the case of children, mouth-breathing which occurs with OSA, has an especially devastating affect you orthodontic development. If caught early many of the associated altered jaw development and tooth eruption can be corrected.
Dentists are in a great position to evaluate whether a sleep study would be beneficial and to assess your childs jaw development.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
If someone in your family, whether it be your child or your spouse, has breathing problems while they are sleeping including snoring or mouth breathing please let us know. Dentists are in a great position to evaluate whether a sleep study would be beneficial.
In the case of children, mouth breathing has an especially devastating affect you orthodontic development. If caught early many of the associated altered jaw development and tooth eruption can be corrected.
In the case of adults an effective way of treating snoring where sleep apnea is mild or moderate is the use of a dental snoring appliance. The appliances are easy to make, comfortable and will allow other family members to sleep better as well.
If you have concerns please let us know. If beneficial we will refer you for a sleep study.
In the case of children, mouth breathing has an especially devastating affect you orthodontic development. If caught early many of the associated altered jaw development and tooth eruption can be corrected.
In the case of adults an effective way of treating snoring where sleep apnea is mild or moderate is the use of a dental snoring appliance. The appliances are easy to make, comfortable and will allow other family members to sleep better as well.
If you have concerns please let us know. If beneficial we will refer you for a sleep study.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Research has also confirmed that children with enlarged tonsil and adenoids often are found to have an obstructed airway and OSA. In one study 21 of 22 infants were found to have OSA as a result of large tonsils and adenoids. 6 of the 22 infants were diagnosed with failure to thrive.
The consequence of untreated OSA include a strain on the cardiovascular system due to an increase in the blood pressure and fragmented sleep. OSA in children can also result in developmental problems including failure to thrive, attention deficit disorders, behavioural problems, decreased academic performance and heart disease. One study reported that OSA children are more aggressive, have high rates of inattention, are more moody, and have impaired visual perception and working memory.
OSA is easily diagnosed be having a sleep study and can be successfully treated.
The consequence of untreated OSA include a strain on the cardiovascular system due to an increase in the blood pressure and fragmented sleep. OSA in children can also result in developmental problems including failure to thrive, attention deficit disorders, behavioural problems, decreased academic performance and heart disease. One study reported that OSA children are more aggressive, have high rates of inattention, are more moody, and have impaired visual perception and working memory.
OSA is easily diagnosed be having a sleep study and can be successfully treated.
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