If your child is experiencing restless sleep or symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea, it might be more than just a temporary issue. Pediatric sleep apnea is a significant concern, and Dr. Susan Kim at Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry in Kirkland, WA, is here to offer expert care. With the right treatment, your child can enjoy restful sleep, wake up refreshed, and experience better overall well-being.
Dr. Susan specializes in treating pediatric sleep apnea, improving not only your child’s sleep but also their overall health. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and tired mornings, and embark on a path to healthier, more restful sleep with Dr. Susan’s specialized care.
Understanding Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Pediatric sleep apnea affects children’s breathing during sleep, often due to blockages in the airway such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Common symptoms include:
- Loud Snoring: A common indicator where children with sleep apnea tend to snore loudly.
- Choking or Gasping: Episodes where they might choke or gasp for air during sleep.
- Restless Sleep: Frequent awakenings that interrupt deep sleep.
- Daytime Fatigue: Poor sleep quality leaves children feeling tired throughout the day.
- Behavioral Issues: Symptoms such as irritability or difficulty concentrating.
- Bedwetting and Teeth Grinding: Frequently observed in children with sleep apnea.
Dr. Susan works with board certified sleep specialists in a multi disciplinary effort for your child’s well-being. She is skilled in screening and managing these symptoms, ensuring your child gets better sleep and, as a result, feels better overall.
Causes Behind Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Understanding the causes of sleep apnea in children is essential. The primary reasons often include:
- Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids: The most common physical blockers of airways.
- Obesity: Excess weight can exacerbate the condition.
- Allergies: These can cause nasal congestion that makes breathing difficult at night.
- Family History: Genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.
- Facial Structure: Certain structural characteristics may predispose children to airway blockages.
Dr. Susan considers these factors when screening and creating a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea
It’s important to recognize the signs of sleep apnea, which might not always be obvious and can be mistaken for other issues:
- Mouth Breathing and Nightmares: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose and experiencing frequent nightmares.
- Chronic Allergies: These can worsen symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Bedwetting and Enlarged Tonsils: Persistent bedwetting and visibly enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
- Behavioral and Mood Issues: Including irritability, morning headaches, habitual snoring, and teeth grinding.
- Emotional Disturbances: Such as depression or frequent bouts of anger, which may be linked to poor sleep.
- ADHD: Studies show that there is a connection between ADHD and pediatric sleep apnea.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it might be time to consult a dental sleep specialist like Dr. Susan.
Testing for Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Concerned about your child’s sleep patterns? Start with a simple sleep apnea quiz offered by Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry.
This quick test helps identify potential signs of sleep apnea from the comfort of your home, providing valuable insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s an effective first step towards addressing any sleep-related issues.
If the quiz indicates a potential for sleep apnea, Dr. Susan and her team are ready to help. Their goal is to transform your child’s sleep into a peaceful and restorative experience.
Can Sleep Apnea in Children Be Treated?
Treating pediatric sleep apnea requires a personalized approach, tailored to each child’s specific symptoms and needs. Here are some common treatments:
- CPAP Machines: These devices deliver air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open, typically used for moderate to severe cases.
- Oral Appliances: Custom devices worn at night to adjust the position of the jaw and tongue, helping keep the airway open.
- Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat to improve breathing patterns.
- Surgery: Sometimes necessary to remove physical blockages like enlarged tonsils or adenoids in severe cases.
- Vivos Treatment: A dental sleep medicine treatment focused on treating the underlying root cause of airway issues. Dr. Susan is a certified provider for the Vivos system, contact us today to see how we can help!
Each treatment offers unique benefits and may be recommended based on the individual needs of the child.
The Vivos System
The Vivos System is a standout, non-surgical treatment method available at Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry. This innovative dental sleep medicine approach uses a custom-designed oral appliance to gradually modify the dental and nasal structures over time. This, in turn, can open up the airway and promote better breathing for your child while they sleep.
- Tailored Fit: Each Vivos device is precisely tailored to fit each child comfortably, based on their specific dental and skeletal structure.
- Treatment Duration: Typically, the Vivos treatment extends between 12 to 24 months, with the appliance worn mostly at night.
- Developmental Benefits: The device gently expands the jaw and nasal passages, improving airway function and supporting proper growth and development of the facial structures. This not only enhances breathing and sleep quality but also contributes to overall facial aesthetics.
The Vivos System offers a unique advantage by addressing the root causes of sleep apnea and promoting healthier development of the jaw and airway, which can lead to comprehensive benefits for a child’s health and well-being.
If you’re exploring treatment options for your child’s airway, consider the Vivos System at Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, where Dr. Susan provides effective, non-invasive solutions tailored to improve your child’s sleep and overall health without the need for surgery.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Without timely intervention, pediatric sleep apnea can lead to numerous complications, including:
- Learning and Behavioral Challenges: Sleep deprivation can significantly impair cognitive functions and behavioral responses like ADHD.
- Growth Issues: Disrupted sleep can interfere with the release of growth hormones.
- Cardiovascular Strain: Chronic sleep issues can put additional strain on the heart.
- Energy Levels: Insufficient rest can result in ongoing fatigue, impacting daily activities.
A consultation with Dr. Susan can help prevent these problems, ensuring your child enjoys a healthier, more dynamic lifestyle.
Act Now!
Dr. Susan understands the challenges of pediatric sleep apnea and tailors treatment programs to tackle both the symptoms and the underlying causes, focusing on your child’s comfort and overall health.
Treatment for pediatric sleep apnea at Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry can significantly improve your child’s quality of sleep. It can also, elevate their alertness during the day, and enhance their overall mood. As a certified dental sleep medicine Vivos provider, we are committed to providing the care and strategies your child needs for a balanced and healthy life.
Here’s How We Approach It:
- Comprehensive Consultation: Begin with a detailed evaluation of your child’s specific needs.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Dr. Susan devises a targeted strategy for symptom relief and improved sleep.
- Supportive Aftercare: Ongoing support is provided to ensure long-term success.
Don’t wait—schedule your free consultation today and visit our website for more details on our dedicated approach to treating pediatric sleep apnea. Help your child achieve restful sleep and a happier, healthier life.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Consultation Today!
Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14720788683151219551
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States
(425) 814-3196
https://evergreenkidsdentist.com/
