Early Intervention of Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep plays a critical role in development, but a surprising number of children experience what most think of as an adult medical problem—sleep apnea. An estimated one billion people have this sleep disorder, and up to 5% of them are children, many between the ages of 2 and 6. Recognizing this condition early is vital for your child’s health. It is something your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, will look for during regular visits.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Studies show there is a likely connection between pediatric sleep apnea and ADHD. Reports suggest as much as one-third of children diagnosed with ADHD also have sleep apnea. Other symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Trouble waking in the morning
• Mouth breathing
• Open-mouth posture
• Bedwetting or waking up at night frequently
• Enlarged adenoids or tonsils

Disrupted sleep can affect a child’s growth, behavior, academic performance, and even their heart health. Early intervention is key to preventing these potential complications and long-term chronic health problems.

What Does Intervention for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Look Like?

If the pediatric dentist recognizes the signs of sleep apnea in a child, they may suggest interventions, such as:

• Orthodontic treatments, such as palatal expansion or mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are used to correct misalignments.
• MAD appliances can also keep the airway open at night.

These appliances are custom-made to fit your child and secure the best outcome.

It often takes a multidisciplinary approach to correct this problem. The dentist may refer you to a medical specialist to consider removing the tonsils or adenoids if they become enlarged.

With each dental checkup, your pediatric dentist will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention process and make changes as needed. If your child wears an appliance, it will be necessary to assess the fit and make adjustments as they grow to ensure it remains effective.

If you suspect your child has pediatric sleep apnea, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ.