Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects many adults throughout the U.S. every year. However, children can also have same sleep-time ailment. In fact, up-to 4% children between the ages of two and eight suffer from OSA. Parents who believe their children could have the sleep disorder should contact their Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, soon for a consultation.
Signs that May Indicate Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Mouth breathing. Oftentimes, obstructive sleep apnea stems from blockages in the nasal cavity. This blockage could keep your child from being able to breathe from his or her nose, forcing them to breathe from their mouths each night. If notice your child only breathes from his or her mouth, they may have OSA.
- Odd sleeping positions. Does your child sleep in a strange position? Children who suffer from OSA tend to sleep with an arched back—in a hyper-extended manner, of sorts. This allow the airways to open up and could help them have a better night’s sleep. However, if their peculiar sleeping position persist, take care to visit your Livonia dentist.
- Behavioral problems. Both kids and adults who have OSA usually don’t receive a good night’s sleep. Notice if your child is particularly irritable, cranky, or frustrated as this could point to OSA. Also, a lack of good sleep can cause children to do poorly in school. The sooner the problem is taken care of, the sooner your kids can get back to a normal sleeping routine.
- Persistent infections. If your child’s OSA stems from a blockage in the tonsils or adenoids, then they’ll have frequent infections in those areas, plus, constant ear infections. Should your child endure many infections and often, they may require the attention of dentist to improve their symptoms.
- Breathing stops. A common sleep apnea symptom is hiccup in breathing throughout the night; sleep apnea in kids is no different. Parents who notice their children temporarily stop breathing in the night, should see Dr. Stewart as soon as possible.
Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Your Kiddos
If believe your child is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, visit your Livonia dentist for treatment options. Dr. Stewart can discuss which method works best for children to help you decide which route to take. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.