Pediatric Sleep Apnea is not the same as Adult Sleep Apnea. Children with sleep apnea almost never “stop breathing” and are rarely sleepy during the day. In fact, oftentimes the only sign of pediatric sleep apnea is snoring on most nights.
Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea is often underdiagnosed and can cause many health-related issues.
Bridge Creek Dental offers an incredibly effective treatment for pediatric sleep apnea, called Healthy Start.® Dr. Wassmer is the only certified dentist for this treatment in all of Montana!
The Effects of Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea is most common for children between the ages of 2 to 8 years old. Up to 4 percent of children around the world have sleep apnea, but it is more difficult to detect in kids than in adults.
Some physical signs that your child might have sleep apnea are:
- Frequent night waking
- Loud, habitual snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Enlarged tonsils
- Excessive sweating at night
- Headache in the morning
Sleep apnea can also cause many issues for children if it is left untreated. The biggest issues are slowed development, hyperactivity, and excessive irritability.
How Can a Dentist Help?
We are here to help you with your child’s sleep apnea, do not worry. Dr. Wassmer is a KOIS-certified provider of Healthy Start, which is an oral device that children sleep with. He is the only dentist who offers this treatment in all of Montana.
Healthy Start® opens a child’s airways, which is a proven cause of pediatric sleep apnea. It can also straighten teeth and correct jaw issues early in a child’s life, which can also address their sleep issues.
By taking your child for routine dental visits and evaluations, you can easily prevent potential health complications in the child. If our dentists suspect that sleep apnea might be affecting your child, they will send you home with an at-home test that can be verified and diagnosed by a physician.
Once they are diagnosed, we will create a custom Healthy Start® oral device for them, and walk you and the child through using it and wearing it. We understand it might take a bit of adjustment, but the results are worth it!
Support Your Child’s Sleep and Health
Help your child to have a good night’s sleep and good health by consulting with our dentists if you suspect sleep apnea. At Bridge Creek Dental, our dentists are passionate about helping children live happy and helping lives. Give our office a call today to visit with a dentist certified in pediatric sleep apnea treatment.