Can dentistry help with Chicago childhood sleep disorders?
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for everyone, from the youngest child to the most mature adult. While there are few who don’t experience the occasional restless night, millions of Americans suffer from extreme fatigue on a daily basis. Unfortunately, sleep disorders are not just a problem for adults. Childhood sleep disorders are more common than you may know, and they can have a serious impact on a child’s emotional and physical well-being. What can dentistry do to help? Here’s what you need to know:
What causes childhood sleep apnea and snoring?
Sleep disorders in children may be due to problems with their tonsils and adenoids, but whatever is causing your child to snore, it is important to know that this is not normal sleep behavior. It is a clear indication that something is making it difficult for your child to breath properly while sleeping. Sleep apnea is even more serious, because it means your child stops breathing several times each hour all night long. This has a serious effect on your child’s health, as well as their ability to concentrate and process information at school.
Has your child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD
When your child is not getting the rest they need, they become cranky and ill-behaved. This is a normal response to lack of sleep, but this behavior may sometimes be misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Ritalin therapy may or may not help a child who actually has ADD/ADHD, but if your child is suffering from a sleep disorder, then Ritalin therapy will not resolve the issue.
How can a dentist help your child?
Your child will require a full examination and sleep study to determine whether they have a sleep disorder. Once that diagnosis is confirmed, a Highland Park sleep disorder dentist can discuss appropriate treatment options, such as a custom-fitted personal dental orthotic. This non-invasive appliance will help to ensure that your child is able to enjoy an uninterrupted and healthy sleep cycle. so they can get back to being a happy and well-rested child.
Where can you find out more?
Download Think Better Life’s free e-book about sleep disorders to learn more. If you are concerned your child may snore or have sleep apnea and are looking for a Highland Park dentist, contact Dr. Ira Shapira to discuss how sleep disorder dentistry may help.
