Airway & Sleep Apnea Treatment for Children Concord
Helping Children Sleep & Breathe Better
Sleep problems don’t discriminate—simply put, they can affect anybody, even children. What’s worse is that young patients are just as vulnerable to all the ill effects of airway problems like sleep apnea, and without treatment, their long-term health can become compromised from a very young age. Continue reading below to learn a little more about pediatric sleep apnea and how Dr. Homsi and our team are able to help. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, don’t wait to give our office a call.
Why Choose Charm Smile Dental for Airway & Sleep Apnea Treatment for Children?
- Dedicated Sleep Dentist with Several Years of Experience
- Dental Insurance Accepted & Financing Options Available
- Personalized Solutions for All Patients
What is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-breathing condition that occurs in children; it’s more or less identical to the condition that affects adults, and it also happens to be the most common type of sleep apnea in children. It occurs when a child’s airway becomes blocked, usually due to soft tissues in the throat falling backwards or collapsing on themselves. The tongue can also cause this blockage in some cases, and it’s worth noting that tongue and lip ties can be a relevant factor.
Regardless of the cause, this can lead to far more than just snoring and loss of sleep. When left untreated, it can cause severe long-term health complications. This is why if you suspect your child has OSA, getting a diagnosis and treatment for them is vital!
Does My Child Have Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
Many parents notice their child’s OSA symptoms before getting a confirmed diagnosis—after all, some of these signs can be quite obvious! Either way, it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis if you believe your infant or child is experiencing OSA or any related symptoms. A few common pediatric sleep apnea symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
- Open-mouth breathing while resting or sleeping
- Snoring as a normal nightly behavior
- Noticeable pauses in breathing while sleeping
- Daytime tiredness despite appearing to sleep through the night
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Excessive restlessness or moodiness
How Can Lip & Tongue-Ties Impact Sleep Apnea?
Lip and tongue ties can play a significant role in children’s sleep and breathing challenges, including sleep apnea. When the tissue under the lip or tongue is too tight, it can restrict proper oral development, leading to a high, narrow palate or improper tongue posture. These issues may contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, increasing the risk of snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep apnea. In fact, untreated ties can also affect eating and breastfeeding, speech, and even overall dental development. By addressing these issues early, Dr. Homsi can help children develop healthier oral structures, improve their airway function, and support restful, restorative sleep.
Our Sleep Treatment Options for Children
Our practice offers a range of gentle, effective treatment options to help children overcome sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. In cases where there is a lip or tongue tie that’s restricting airflow, we can use our Biolase soft tissue laser to perform a quick, safe procedure known as a frenectomy, which involves carefully removing excess, restrictive tissue. This tool also encourages quick healing and minimal discomfort, making it ideal for children.
For older children suffering from sleep apnea, we might recommend a custom-made oral appliance, which is designed to keep the airway open during sleep and reduce the amount of snoring and breathing disruptions. In some other cases, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can play a role in improving jaw alignment, which in turn can further enhance airflow during sleep.