Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?

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Sleep apnea is a condition commonly diagnosed in adults. Many people associate it with loud snoring and other sleep disruptions.

Many people with sleep apnea can get help from their dentist in Onalaska, WI. At Valley Dental, we provide treatment for patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. If you believe your child may have this condition, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a person stops and starts breathing irregularly during sleep. It can occur for many reasons, but the most common reason is obstruction of the airway, which is known as obstructive sleep apnea.

Can A Child Get Sleep Apnea?

Although it is less common than in adults, children can develop sleep apnea. This condition usually develops between the ages of 2 and 8, when the tonsils are showing the most growth.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Children?

Some children who have sleep apnea are misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD. This happens because sleep apnea causes sleep disturbance, leaving your child irritable and tired during the day. They may also experience difficulty focusing. Children with sleep apnea may snore loudly, sleep restlessly, and sleep in unusual positions.

How Can Sleep Apnea In Children Be Treated?

If your child has sleep apnea, work with their doctor and dentist to get a right treatment plan for them. Your child’s dentist can create a mouth guard that may help open their airway at night for more regular breathing.

At Valley Dental, we provide sleep apnea treatment in Onalaska, WI. If you believe your child may be suffering from sleep apnea, call today to make an appointment.

When Will a Dentist Recommend a CPAP Machine?  

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CPAP machines will open your airways while you’re asleep, so you’re unlikely to wake up from either severe snoring or a loss of air at night. You might think that a traditional doctor would treat this condition, but dentists will often make official recommendations for patients suffering from sleep apnea. We’ll look at the symptoms of this common (but serious) condition as well as how you can help treat it.

Different Treatments

Dentists are popular professionals to treat sleep apnea in Onalaska, WI because they look at the situation differently than a doctor would. There are more dentistry methods that might work for the condition than a standard ENT’s options. This means that you may be able to use oral devices, like retention appliances for your mouth or tongue, instead of a CPAP. These devices work to hold certain parts of your mouth in place so you’re less likely to experience apnea.

Moderate to Severe Apnea

You’re likely to need a CPAP machine if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition is marked by repeated episodes where you’re disrupted during sleep during a loss of air. It could be a partial blockage (as in the case of snoring) or total blockage (where you’re likely to wake up gasping). OSA impacts about 20% of the population, and it’s more common in patients who are either obese or have a comorbidity like diabetes.

Find a Dentist in Onalaska, WI

If you’re interested in finding a dentist in Onalaska, WI that can help you find the best treatment options for sleep apnea, Valley Dental is here to help. Our dentists look for the best solutions based on your symptoms. If you want to learn more about how to treat your sleep apnea, contact us today.

 

How Weight is Connected to Sleep Apnea  

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Sleep apnea is a kind of sleep disorder that leads to disrupted breathing. If you are experiencing sleep apnea, you might be able to get help for your condition from your dentist in Onalaska, WI. Your dentist has several tools available to help minimize the occurrence of sleep apnea.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Many people are unaware that they have sleep apnea. In fact, your dentist may be the first one to draw the possibility to your attention. This is because one of the telltale signs of sleep apnea is teeth grinding. Teeth grinding may occur at night, while you’re sleeping. The jaw tenses and you might grind your teeth while unconscious. Another symptom of teeth grinding is unusual redness at the back of the throat, which is caused by apnea-induced snoring.

Overweight and Sleep Apnea

While your dentist may be able to reduce the occurrence of sleep apnea, a long-term solution may be related to weight. There have been numerous studies that indicate that those who are overweight are more likely to experience sleep apnea. 

When a person is overweight, there may be more fat accumulation in the neck and the waist. The excess fat can hinder airflow, particularly when in a prone position, such as lying down at night to go to sleep. A study done by the Mayo Clinic shows that a larger neck circumference from weight gain actually narrows the airway.

Another correlation between excess weight and sleep apnea has to do with loss of restful sleep. Sleep apnea generally reduces the number of hours of restful sleep. In turn, lack of sleep has been linked to overeating during the day, leading to weight gain. It’s a vicious cycle.

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, speak to your dentist in Onalaska, WI, in addition to your physician. Contact us today to book your appointment.