As families journey through childhood development, various health factors impact their child’s well-being, particularly concerning sleep and breathing. Quality sleep is vital for a child’s growth, behavior, and cognitive abilities. Dentists play a significant role in this area, especially in family dentistry.
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As awareness grows around the importance of sleep and breathing health, dentists, with their expertise and unique position, are emerging as key players in managing and preventing developmental issues in children. Beyond their traditional role in oral hygiene, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify and treat conditions that can significantly impact a child's overall health and quality of life.
Parents face numerous health factors that significantly impact their children’s well-being during childhood development, particularly in the realm of sleep and breathing. Quality sleep is vital for a child’s growth, behavior, and cognitive abilities, yet many parents overlook the vital connection between dental health and sleep quality. According to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, nearly 20% of children are facing sleep-disordered breathing issues.1
Recent studies indicate that approximately 1-4% of children are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep, disrupting breathing and is often associated with enlarged tonsils and adenoids but can also be linked to craniofacial development. Dentists are crucial in early treatment, assessing oral structures to determine if custom oral appliances can alleviate OSA symptoms.
The Importance of Family Dentistry and Childhood Development
Dentists, recognized for their integral role in promoting overall well-being, now go far beyond routine check-ups and cleanings. With a holistic understanding of oral health, dental professionals are vital in assessing how dental conditions can impact a patient’s overall health.
Family dentistry, in particular, plays a proactive and crucial role in monitoring and evaluating children’s dental growth. Dentists are trained to identify potential issues that may affect a child’s health, development, and quality of life. By closely observing dental development, family dentists can proactively address concerns before they escalate, ensuring that children receive the best possible care for their evolving needs. Routine dental visits are essential for early detection.
Understanding the Connection Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and ADHD
Recent research highlights the link between sleep apnea and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The impact of disrupted sleep on a child’s physical and cognitive development cannot be overstated. Sleep apnea causes daytime fatigue and irritability, which can worsen ADHD symptoms. The intermittent hypoxia caused by OSA can lead to cognitive impairments and changes in brain function that affect attention and impulse control. The overlapping symptoms emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluations, as many children may be misdiagnosed with ADHD without addressing underlying sleep disorders. Addressing sleep apnea may improve ADHD symptoms in some children, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and early intervention.2
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been the traditional treatment for sleep apnea, a ground-breaking, FDA-cleared therapy called Vivos presents a non-invasive option. This oral appliance therapy, used by dentists, reshapes the jaw and palate to widen the airway and enhance breathing during sleep. Unlike traditional therapies, Vivos targets the underlying anatomical issues contributing to OSA. Clinical studies have shown promising results, with many patients experiencing significant reductions in OSA severity, improved sleep quality, and enhanced daytime functioning. Vivos is a safe and effective treatment option that can be discussed with a dentist.
Other Sleep and Breathing Conditions Dentists Can Help Manage and Prevent
The connection between OSA and various health issues continues to grow. Sleep apnea is just one of the many conditions that dental professionals can effectively treat, offering transformative solutions and underscoring their essential role in addressing health issues beyond oral hygiene. Dentists are equipped to manage several sleep and breathing-related conditions.
Mouth breathing, often due to allergies or structural issues, can lead to dental problems like dry mouth and gum disease, but dentists offer solutions such as myofunctional therapy and custom oral devices to promote nasal breathing. And with teeth grinding during sleep on the rise, it may indicate sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.3 Additionally, misaligned jaws can cause breathing difficulties and sleep disturbances, while insufficient jaw development often leads to teeth crowding, which can be effectively corrected with dental care. Parents are encouraged to consult their dentists for tailored treatments that support their children's oral health and overall well-being.
Understanding the connection between dental health, sleep, and breathing is essential for childhood development. The role of dentists in managing sleep and breathing issues in children is more crucial than ever—detecting potential problems early, offering solutions, and educating families on promoting healthy practices. By prioritizing regular dental visits and addressing concerns with a dentist, parents can set children on a path to better health, enhanced sleep, and improved quality of life.
At Golden Heart Dental, Dr. Shawn Miller, DDS, and team proudly provide advanced sleep apnea treatment in Fairbanks, AK. Investing in oral health today can bring about a future filled with smiles, sound sleep, and overall well-being for children. Together, dentists and parents can help ensure a healthy, happy future for children! Don’t hesitate to contact the Golden Heart Dental team with questions.
Sources:
1. (2024). Better Sleep for Children with Breathing Issues. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2024/08/better-sleep-for-children-with-breathing-issues
2. Urbano, G. (2021). The Link between Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8090824
3. (2021). HPI poll: Dentists see increased prevalence of stress-related oral health conditions. ADA News. https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2021/march/hpi-poll-dentists-see-increased-prevalence-of-stress-related-oral-health-conditions/
Contact Info:
Name: Dr. Shawn Miller
Email: Send Email
Organization: Golden Heart Dental
Address: 410 Merhar Ave Suite 5, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
Phone: +1-907-328-0868
Website: https://goldenheartdentalfairbanks.com/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89145775
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