As parents, we all want what’s best for our children - and that includes a good night’s sleep. Have you noticed that your child seems drowsy during the day? Do they snore or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? Your child could have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - a chronic condition where breathing stops periodically during sleep because of soft tissue relaxing and obstructing the airway. These periodic stops can happen as many as 20-30 times in an hour and cause a lack of oxygen to the brain - this wakes up your child so that their body is in a better place to restart proper breathing. Even if they don’t remember waking up, all that waking up can leave one pretty sleepy the next day! And a sleepy kid is often a cranky kid... no one wants that!
Untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can affect overall alertness as well as school work. And, it can raise your child’s risk of serious health problems down the road. These include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Chronic acid reflux
- and even Depression
Sleep disordered breathing (or Sleep Apnea) affects approximately 12% of children, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ENTs).
Luckily, sleep apnea is easily treatable. It just needs to be diagnosed. That’s where you come in: if your child has any of the following symptoms, bring them to see us for a complimentary consultation and sleep apnea test at Lenz Orthodontics.
As a parent or guardian, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Long pauses in breathing
- Chronic mouth breathing during sleep
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping (tossing and turning or night sweats)
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
- Changes in mood, misbehavior or decline in school performance
- Hyperactivity or inattention (in some cases children who are diagnosed with ADHD are actually not hyperactive but rather are showing the clinical symptoms of OSA.)
Orthodontists are leading specialists in spotting Sleep Apnea early because of our familiarity and expertise in working with the soft tissue in children’s mouths. As both an Orthodontist and parent, Dr. Lenz makes a point of asking all parents if they’ve noticed any of these symptoms when he first consults with new patients.
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, bring them in for a complimentary consultation and at home sleep test. We can help with a treatment plan and make sure your kids are sleeping soundly!
While Sleep Apnea can have very serious side effects, it’s very easily treatable. The most important thing you can do is pay attention and have your child evaluated.
Think your child may need an orthodontic evaluation?
Give us a call or click below to make an appointment for a consultation. At Lenz Orthodontics, early treatment can help give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for more self esteem as they go through their teenage years and through adulthood.
Racine Office
1558 South Green Bay Road
Racine, Wisconsin 53406
Waterford Office
725 Cornerstone Crossing
Waterford, Wisconsin 53185
