Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea in Children

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent but under-diagnosed disease. The importance of screening for OSA in every child has recently been re-emphasized by the American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines.

These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and occur multiple times throughout the night. It is a serious condition that can disrupt a child’s sleep patterns and overall health if left untreated.

Children with undiagnosed sleep problems are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and given medicines they don’t need. Recognizing the symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea is crucial for early intervention.

Symptoms of Childhood OSA

• Snoring: Loud and frequent snoring is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea in children.
• Pauses in breathing during sleep: Your child may experience episodes where they stop breathing for a short period while sleeping.
• Restless sleep: Children with sleep apnea often have difficulty staying asleep and may toss and turn frequently.
• Mouth breathing: Sleep apnea can cause children to breathe primarily through their mouths rather than their noses.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness: Children with sleep apnea may feel excessively tired or sleepy during the day, which can affect their overall energy levels and school performance.
• Morning headaches: Waking up with frequent headaches can be a sign of sleep apnea.
• Bedwetting: Sleep apnea can contribute to bedwetting (enuresis) in some children.
• Behavioral problems: Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to behavioral issues, including irritability, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating.
• Poor academic performance: Sleep apnea can negatively impact a child’s cognitive abilities and academic performance.
• Growth issues: In some cases, sleep apnea can affect a child’s growth and development.

Poor Myofunctional Habits in Children Result in Narrow Jaws and a Problematic Bite

The poor bite forces the lower jaw back, which causes musculoskeletal dysfunction in the head and neck. This dysfunction can cause headaches, ear pain that isn’t caused by an infection, and noises coming from the jaw.

Your child may experience breathing problems while they sleep. Your youngster may snore. Do you worry about your child’s other sleep-related habits, like mouth breathing, long pauses in breathing, tossing and turning in bed, wetting the bed, or night sweats? (because of an increased effort to breathe). All of these, but particularly the snoring, could be symptoms of sleep apnea, which is more common in kids than you might expect. According to estimates, 10% of kids snore often, and up to 4% of kids, many of whom are between the ages of 2 and 8, have sleep apnea.

Myofunctional Orthodontics

We help children with orthopedic orthodontics that develop the dental arches.  Inadequate facial growth and malocclusion affect 75% of developing children. The major contributing factor is soft tissue (muscle) dysfunction. We use a myofunctional orthopedic approach that corrects both the muscle imbalance and develops the dental arches. The roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose, and developing the maxillary arch will improve air flow through the nose, helping your child breathe better. With a wider maxillary arch, the lower jaw can also move forward, which moves the tongue away from the airway. Treating your child now is the best way to help them develop their airway and greatly lower the chance that they will have OSA as an adult.

Tonsils are often removed from children to help them breathe better. This helps them breathe and sleep better right away, but after 6 months, nearly 75% of these children have trouble breathing and sleeping again. For long-term success, it’s important to fix the arches of the teeth and the muscle imbalance underneath.  

We Can Treat Your Child’s TMJ Sleep Apnea

At the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Pittsburgh, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sleep apnea. Our team of experienced professionals understands the unique needs of children and provides comprehensive care tailored to each child’s specific requirements.

Treatment options for pediatric sleep apnea vary depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, lifestyle changes such as weight management, regular exercise, and adopting healthy sleep habits may be recommended. In moderate to severe cases, oral appliances can be used to reposition the jaw and tongue, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. Our team will work closely with you and your child to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Our center is dedicated to providing compassionate care to children with sleep disorders. We utilize the latest advancements in sleep medicine and work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. If you suspect your child may have pediatric sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. Together, we can help your child achieve restful sleep and improve their overall well-being.