Could Your Child’s Teeth Give Clues About their Sleep?
According to Dr. Caroline Pawlak of Artful Orthodontics, early orthodontic treatment can have a long-term impact on maintaining an unobstructed airway. And that can affect something every parent understands: the restorative power of a good night’s sleep. Yes, we’re talking about sleep apnea, among other airway problems. But, sleep apnea in children?
Absolutely!
Dr. Pawlak says signs of airway problems in children can look surprisingly familiar: difficulty concentrating, snoring, restless sleep and bedwetting. Speech difficulties, mouth breathing, and recurrent ear infections can also signal a potential airway problem.
So, how early should you bring your child in for an orthodontic check? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first checkup by age 7. Dr. Pawlak prefers to start sooner.
“I believe that 7 is already too late. The palate has begun taking shape, and airway complications can become evident then,” she says. “We see patients as young as 3 and 4 years old. Treatment on a child that young is not easy, which is why most orthodontists prefer to wait. Artful Orthodontics is one of the few practices that can handle the challenge.”
This focus on the airway is relatively new territory in orthodontics. “It was not taught in dental school when I attended,” Dr. Pawlak says. “It was discussed, but that’s about it. Schools today are catching up, but much more needs to be done.”
Poor sleep and untreated sleep apnea in children could lead to long-term problems as adults. Sleep apnea in adults has been associated with a long list of health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, acid reflux, anxiety, and depression. The takeaway? Never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Understanding the airway and its relationship to possible sleep problems means looking beyond the teeth. During sleep, the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth. When it doesn’t, the airway may be compromised. A restricted frenum beneath the tongue could be contributing to the problem, or the palate may need expansion.
Dr. Pawlak is quick to point out that sleep apnea can only be diagnosed by a physician. Once a patient has undergone a sleep study and received a diagnosis, however, she may be able to offer an alternative to the CPAP machine.
“Sleep specialists consider CPAP the gold standard for treatment, but many people don’t like the machines and have a hard time adjusting,” she says. “Advances in appliance therapy have shown it can be highly effective and much more tolerable. We can determine which appliance could provide the best outcome.”
It’s a lot to sink your teeth into. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)
But that’s also the point: Artful Orthodontics isn’t your typical orthodontic practice. With expertise in orthodontics and dentofacial treatment, the team looks beyond straight teeth to the interconnected health of the teeth, jaw, and airway.
Getting answers starts with a consultation. Artful Orthodontics works with all major insurance providers and offers in-house, interest-free financing.
