Dr. Tom Meyer, Airway Focused Orthodontics Provider in Mount Prospect:
As parents, we often face the nightly challenge of ensuring our children get enough rest. But what happens when, despite your best efforts, your child won't sleep through the night? The reasons can range from the more commonly discussed stress and anxiety to the less commonly recognized medical conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Surprisingly, up to 5% of children, typically between the ages of 2 and 8, are affected by sleep apnea. This condition can lead to significant disruptions in a child's sleep, but it often goes undiagnosed due to the misconception of its symptoms as benign or even endearing behaviours. Providing orthodontic treatment that focuses on your child's airways can help to alleviate breathing problems.
What Are Common Sleep Disorder Symptoms in Kids?
Common signs that may indicate your child is suffering from OSA include frequent awakenings during the night, snoring, and teeth grinding. Unfortunately, snoring is often overlooked or considered "cute," which means many children don't receive the attention they need for what could be a serious sleep disorder. Other telltale signs include a scalloped tongue, dark circles under the eyes, a dry mouth upon waking, inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath. These symptoms are your cue that something more than just "bad sleep habits" is at play.
Introducing: Airway Focused Orthodontics in Mount Prospect
At the forefront of addressing this issue is Dr. Tom Meyer of Meyer Dental Group in Mount Prospect, who provides "Airway Focused Orthodontics" for children. He brings over two decades of experience in Airway Focused Orthodontics for children. This experience equips him with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique challenges presented by pediatric sleep apnea.
Dr. Meyer's approach is grounded in the belief that invasive procedures, such as tooth extraction, should be avoided in favor of treatments that maintain or expand the dental arch. This philosophy is based on a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of dental and orthodontic health's impact on overall well-being.
Dr. Tom Meyer advocates for the use of expanders to create a larger arch, providing more room for the teeth and tongue. This treatment is not one-size-fits-all; it varies greatly in length, depending on the child's developmental stage and specific needs. The goal is to ensure that the child's airway remains unobstructed during sleep, thereby alleviating the symptoms of OSA and ensuring a restful night.
Early Sleep Disorder Detection is Crucial
The implications of untreated sleep apnea in children extend beyond mere sleep disruption. It can significantly impact a child's developmental growth, affecting their academic performance, behavior, and overall health. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing these potential long-term effects.
If your child is experiencing persistent sleep disturbances or any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's imperative to seek professional advice. Scheduling an appointment with a orthodontics practitioner experienced in airway-focused orthodontics can be a pivotal step in your child's development. Through appropriate intervention, not only can the immediate symptoms of sleep apnea be alleviated, but the overall trajectory of your child's growth and well-being can be positively influenced.
Every Child Needs Good Sleep
Dr. Tom Meyer, Airway Focused Orthodontics Provider in Mount Prospect:
Or team at Meyer Dental Group has extensive experience with Airway Focused Orthodontics for children. We have positioned ourselves as a valuable resource for parents facing the challenges of pediatric sleep apnea.
By focusing on the underlying causes of sleep disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnea, significant improvements in sleep quality and, by extension, in developmental outcomes can be achieved. If your child struggles with sleep, reaching out for a consultation could make a substantial difference in their current and future health.
For more information, visit our website meyerdentalgroup.net or make an appointment today.
