Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that affects an individual’s breathing while he or she is sleeping. Untreated sleep apnea can make people prone to broken sleep because of repeated interrupted breathing. In other words, neither your mind nor your body will get enough oxygen. There are two main types of sleep apnea—central and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, i.e., men, women, as well as kids. It is a known fact that kids need around 10 to 11 hours of sleep every night. But sleep apnea can disturb their sleeping pattern, which might adversely affect their overall development and growth.
As a parent, it is important to look out for the warning signs of sleep apnea in your children. Some common symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows:
#1 Teeth grinding: When an individual’s airway is blocked by tongue, the body starts grinding the teeth subconsciously to get the required oxygen supply. Thus, using a mouthguard can prevent any damage to the teeth. However, the best thing to do is to consult a dentist to eradicate the matter.
#2 Naps: It is common for children to take naps during the day, particularly when they are hyperactive throughout the day. But, as they grow old, the habit of napping fades away. If your kid still takes a nap, after a certain age, it might be an indicator that he or she is not getting a good night’s sleep. If this is the case, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a dentist providing sleep apnea treatment in Winchester, VA.
#3 Breathing through the mouth: As humans, we are supposed to breathe through our noses. In the case of kids, in particular, breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can make the kids’ faces longer apart from weakening the tongue.
#4 Bedwetting: It is normal for kids up to the age of 5 to resort to bedwetting. But, if your kid still wets the bed after that age, it might be a problem. This may be a sign that your child is suffering from sleep apnea. Luckily, bedwetting can be avoided with the help of sleep apnea therapy.
Did you notice any of the symptoms in your child? If yes, then there might a possibility that his or her sleep at night might be interrupted. Thus, it is better to consult a dentist near you as a preventive measure. This is because early detection of sleep apnea can be treated with proper treatment. At Smiles of Virginia Family Dental Center, we offer a wide range of dental services, including treatment for sleep apnea in Winchester, VA. You can book an appointment with our dentists, who specialize in treating sleep apnea.