Sleep apnea is a severe condition affecting people from all walks of life. However, most children cannot be diagnosed with sleep apnea because of their developmental state. Certain factors can indicate that your child is at risk for sleep apnea, and there are steps your family can take to prevent the onset. Recognizing and addressing symptoms as early as possible can significantly impact your child’s overall health and development. Understanding when to begin sleep apnea prevention with your child’s dentist can help ensure they get their much-needed healthy sleep.
But when is the right time to start thinking about sleep apnea prevention for your child? At Dee for Dentist, we use Healthy Start to treat children’s sleep-disordered breathing, and your child can begin as young as two. We can help lessen the chances of your children developing sleep apnea through early intervention. Reach out to us as soon as possible to begin your child’s Healthy Start treatment.
Signs of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
If you are concerned that your child might be at risk for developing sleep apnea, there are several signs you might have noticed. We encourage you to look for and track these symptoms and signs of sleep-disordered breathing. You should tell your child’s dentist about these signs at your next visit.
The following are some of the most common signs of sleep-disordered breathing in kids:
- Snoring or snorting while sleeping
- Gasping between breaths, heavy breathing, or mouth breathing while asleep
- Restless sleep or sleeping in unusual positions
- Night terrors
- Nighttime sweating
- Coughing or choking while sleeping
- Daytime sleepiness
- Behavioral problems or irritability during the day
- Learning problems or trouble paying attention in school
- Weight gain
- Morning headaches
- Bedwetting in a child who would have previously stayed dry at night
Other symptoms may also indicate sleep-disordered breathing, which can develop into adult sleep apnea. Therefore, we encourage you to speak with your Dee for Dentist provider as soon as possible. Our team can help mitigate long-term issues and treat sleep-disordered breathing through our Healthy Start program. For children as old as twelve, Healthy Start can prevent the onset of sleep apnea when they are older.
When Should Your Child Start Sleep Apnea Prevention?
Dr. Dee and Dr. Montero are both Healthy Start specialists, and our Dee for Dentist team can help you throughout the process. We treat children ages two to 12 with Healthy Start, but we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. The sooner your child begins Healthy Start, the better their odds of avoiding a sleep apnea diagnosis.
How Does Early Detection and Intervention Help?
Detecting the early symptoms of sleep apnea and intervening with the appropriate treatment can improve your child’s overall health and well-being in the long run. For example, treating sleep-disordered breathing sooner rather than later can help reduce the risk of many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and the onset of sleep apnea.
Children with sleep-disordered breathing can often avoid complex equipment and masks later in life with early intervention. Detecting the signs and treating them with Healthy Start can help ensure that a child’s anatomy forms correctly. Healthy Start can make breathing far easier in the long run, making sleep more restful for your children.
How Can Your Dentist Help With Your Child’s Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
We can help your child manage sleep-disordered breathing. Dee for Dentist can utilize many helpful tools for diagnosing, managing, and treating sleep-disordered breathing. Through these methods, we can determine if your child requires sleep apnea prevention and how to proceed if they do.
We can also help your child by getting them started on Healthy Start or other dental treatments. Our providers can make decisions based on your child’s needs, circumstances, and candidacy. We prioritize every patient’s comfort, ensuring your child feels confident during their care with us. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist your whole family.
Begin Sleep Apnea Prevention for Your Child: Contact Dee for Dentist to Schedule a Consultation
Recognizing and addressing symptoms that lead to sleep apnea is essential. However, Healthy Start can significantly impact your child’s health and development. At Dee for Dentist, we specialize in identifying symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and preventing sleep apnea through our advanced Healthy Start program, helping ensure your child gets the restful sleep they need for a bright future. Our dedicated team can guide you through every step of the process, meaning your child can receive personalized care and support tailored to their needs.
Don’t wait to take action. Early detection and intervention can help prevent long-term health issues associated with sleep apnea. Contact Dee for Dentist today to learn how we can assist in managing and preventing sleep apnea for your child and your whole family. Call Silverado Ranch (Las Vegas, NV): (702) 586-7800, Medical District (Las Vegas, NV): (702) 870-3818, or complete our contact form.
