Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is when an obstruction in the airway creates an insufficient flow of oxygen to the brain during sleep. The brain responds to this lack of oxygen by moving into a lighter level of sleep so the body can inhale more air, meaning OSA patients suffer from a lack of quality sleep.
OSA in children can have significant impacts on developing bodies and brains. Some of these impacts include ADHD, moodiness, delays in growth and development and bedwetting.
In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common causes of obstruction but other orthodontic factors can also play a role. The dentist plays a big role in checking for OSA in children and at Care Dental Camberwell we check all children for enlarged tonsils and other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to ensure the appropriate action is taken.
Our Sleep Apnea Treatments for Children
Oral appliances for the correction of sleep apnea are a specialty of ours. These appliances create more space in your airway by preventing the soft tissue at the back of your child’s mouth from collapsing while they sleep.
This form of treatment works in cases where an orthodontic problem, such as a misshapen jaw, is causing the issue. However, if tonsils or adenoids are creating the blockage, we at Dentist Camberwell will refer your child to a surgeon to have the problem alleviated.
Why Treat My Child’s Sleep Apnea?
You can also visit our page on ‘Sleep Apnea Treatment’ for more detailed information.
