We’ve often spoke about sleep apnea and other sleep disorders in regards to treating adults. But did you know that children are susceptible to sleep disorders as well? In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and how we can treat the issue with a unique oral appliance known as the Myobrace®.
Sleep Disordered Breathing in Kids
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impacts older patients and occurs in the lower air passages. Sleep disordered breathing takes place in the upper airways and can impact very young children. In some cases, we may refer the child to an ENT for diagnosis and to discuss treatment. SDB often results from childhood sleep issues, such as a high and narrow palatal vault, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and without treatment, sleep disordered breathing can make the risk of sleep apnea in teen and adult years more likely, leading to serious problems for their overall health.
Possible Complications in Their Teen and Adult Years
As children, lack of proper sleep due to sleep disordered breathing can mean kids being misdiagnosed as having attention or behavioral-related problems. Their issues in school can have wide reaching impacts on their quality of life. As we touched on early, the onset of sleep apnea becomes more likely in adulthood, boosting the risk of depression, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and other serious health problems.
The Myobrace®
We can often treat kids as young age three with the Myobrace®, an oral appliance worn at night as they sleep. The device acts as a nightguard that repositions the jaw, ensuring uninterrupted breathing during sleep. The device will fit comfortably and provide a noninvasive solution to SDB in young children. If you have any questions about this treatment option, or if you feel your child may benefit from a diagnosis, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Dr. Lawson and our team can help your little one rest easier with a custom-made oral appliance. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
