What is sleep disordered breathing?

dentist DallasSleep disordered breathing is a condition in which a child’s breathing is disrupted due to a restricted airway. This condition can manifest in a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms, and seeking effective treatment can help to improve your child’s overall wellness.

Our dentist is be able to treat sleep disordered breathing with the HealthyStart® system that guides proper eruption of the teeth and development of the jaw to eliminate the conditions that result in airway constriction. This system is highly effective and convenient, so your child can adhere to it.

Sleep Disordered Breathing: An Overview

When a child’s dental arches are too narrow – often made evident by crowded teeth – it can lead to an airway restriction. During sleep, that airway restriction can cause the child’s body to respond as though they are choking. They may try to turn to mouth breathing to compensate, exacerbating the issue.

These conditions result in sleep disordered breathing. Signs that a child may have sleep disordered breathing include:

  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea
  • Nightmares
  • Bedwetting
  • Teeth crowding
  • Attention deficits
  • Mouth breathing
  • Depression
  • Anger/Aggressive behavior

The Consequences Of Sleep Disordered Breathing

The symptoms listed above are not the only effects that your child experiences from sleep disordered breathing, which also results in:

  • Reduced oxygen levels
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Negative effects on facial development

Fortunately, rather than exploring different interventions for the mood, behavioral and physical concerns, your child’s dentist can address all of these issues with a treatment system known as HealthyStart.

HealthyStart: An Effective Treatment Approach

HealthyStart uses a series of custom-designed removable appliances to guide the proper tooth eruption and jaw development, which removes the structural conditions that cause the airway restrictions. The appliances are comfortable and easy to use, making it simple to comply with the regimen.

Not only can HealthyStart eliminate sleep disordered breathing and its resulting symptoms and effects, it can also reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. Your child will gain multiple benefits from this treatment option.

To learn more about HealthyStart and determine whether your child might be a good candidate for this treatment, call Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

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