Healthy Start Dentist

Sleep-disordered breathing is a phenomenon that all too often goes unnoticed. Though often treated as an isolated condition, it is usually a root cause of many other symptoms a child may exhibit. Unfortunately, such symptoms are often misdiagnosed or missed entirely. These conditions result from airway disruption during sleep. When a patient’s airway is blocked, their body produces a choking response — leading to a higher heart rate, higher blood pressure, and lower oxygen levels.

Temporomandibular jaw disorders, better known as TMJ, can also affect a child’s sleep. These disorders occur when the temporomandibular joint has been damaged or is otherwise malfunctioning. They are also frequently associated with sleep apnea, which is caused by airway disruption. If left untreated, an obstructed airway will only narrow more over time. HealthyStart dentists can help treat these sleeping issues by moving the upper and lower jaws forward. This opens the airway for maximum airflow while also encouraging mid-face growth and airway development.

Dentists are often the first to recognize the signs of obstructive sleep apnea in children, as skeletal and soft tissue growth both affect the size and shape of the upper airway. Tonsil size can also be a telltale indicator of sleep apnea. As the airway’s skeletal boundaries expand, the upper airway’s major lymphatic tissues (the adenoids and tonsils) shrink. If the skeletal boundaries are abnormal, then orthodontics (also known as braces) may become necessary.

However, traditional braces can be invasive and expensive — and it is not uncommon for some orthodontists to mistakenly tell parents that it is too early for their children to undergo treatment. The HealthyStart System is a non-invasive, natural alternative to straightening teeth and correcting skeletal irregularities. It is also, on average, almost half the cost of traditional braces. A HealthyStart dentist can fit a child for custom-made orthodontic devices to gently but permanently guide the teeth into place, eliminating the possibility of any unnecessary dental or sleep issues in the future.

Sleep is arguably the most essential part of everyday life, especially during the stages of early development. There are two sleep stages: Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM). NREM is sometimes called “quiet” sleep. Deep states of NREM sleep increases blood supply to the muscles, restores energy, and releases essential hormones for growth and development. Tissue growth and repair also occur during this state. REM sleep, also known as “active” sleep, is the dreaming stage of sleep. The brain becomes active, and the body becomes immobile, with irregular breathing and heart rates.

A healthy sleeping schedule is imperative to ensure proper physical, mental, and emotional development. It can be difficult or even impossible for children with disordered sleep to get enough sleep. At least one study has found that six-year-old children with a pattern of short sleep duration at age 2.5 had higher levels of specific cognitive deficits and hyperactivity in comparison to their peers. Though research in this field is still emerging, the existing literature makes it evident that there is a relationship between sleep and childhood development.

Though nothing can replace the counsel of an experienced HealthyStart sleep dentist, there are many things parents can do to help improve their child’s sleeping habits. For starters, a child’s sleeping environment should be as comfortable and free from distractions as possible. Avoid screen time or any upsetting material within two hours of bedtime. Beds should be reserved for sleeping. Children should not be allowed to watch television, reading, or playing video games while in bed.

Adding soothing sounds into a child’s bedtime routine may also help them relax. If this is too much stimulation, reducing noise may be a better option. Parents should also try to get their children used to the dark since light can further disrupt the sleeping environment. Cooler room temperatures can also aid sleep, as can warm baths. Some people also find that aromatherapy helps.