Pediatric Airway Treatment Specialist

What are the signs of Pediatric Obstructed Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects both adults and children, causing disruptions in breathing during sleep. Children who are suffering from sleep apnea may exhibit visible symptoms such as snoring, pauses in breathing, restlessness during sleep, difficulty staying asleep, and daytime sleepiness. Additionally, children with sleep apnea may also exhibit behavioral changes such as difficulty paying attention, irritability, and poor performance in school. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a child's overall health and well-being, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of them and seek appropriate medical treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in children can help improve their quality of life and prevent long-term health problems.

What is pediatric airway treatment?

Pediatric airway treatment helps your child get a better night’s sleep by opening their airway to help them breathe easier. It often involves making lifestyle changes or wearing an oral appliance when your child sleeps.

Why might my child need pediatric airway treatment?

Your child might benefit from pediatric airway treatment if they have sleep apnea. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea to watch for include:

• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Restless sleep
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• A poor attention span
• Behavioral problems
• Poor school performance
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• A sore throat
• Problems concentrating
• Daytime sleepiness

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for optimal growth and development in your child. See Dr. Martinez at the first sign of chronic sleep disruption.

How to Screen for Pediatric Airway Issues and Pediatric Obstructed Sleep Apnea?

To screen airway problems in your child, Dr. Martinez asks about their sleeping habits and symptoms. She reviews your child’s medical history and evaluates their teeth, gums, mouth, throat, and breathing. Dr. Martinez might also recommend X-rays or other imaging procedures and a sleep study to evaluate your child’s condition.

A visible sign of an airway issue is linked to persistent mouth breating.  Mouth breathing in children during sleep has been linked to an increased risk of developing obstructed sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of interrupted breathing during the night. Studies have shown that children who habitually breathe through their mouths while sleeping are more likely to experience airway obstruction and a decrease in oxygen levels. This is because the nose is designed to humidify and filter the air we breathe, but when children breathe through their mouths, this natural process is bypassed. As a result, the airway becomes dry and more susceptible to collapse. Parents whose children show symptoms of sleep apnea such as loud snoring, interruptions of breathing during sleep, and restless sleep should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Does the Dentist Measure My Airway?

A Ceph machine is a specialized imaging device that uses cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to scan a patient's airway and calculate airway volume. The scan is performed by taking a series of X-ray images from different angles, which are then combined to create a 3D image of the airway. The Ceph machine allows for highly detailed and accurate imaging, enabling healthcare professionals to identify and measure various aspects of the airway, including volume, size, and shape. This information can be used to diagnose and treat sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructed sleep apnea, as well as orthodontic and surgical planning. The office of California Dental Sleep Solutions has a CBCT machine for screening of sleep apnea, which enables them to detect and diagnose the condition in a non-invasive way.

What should I expect during pediatric airway treatment

Dr. Martinez personalizes pediatric airway treatments to best match your child’s needs. She might suggest:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes often helps your child breathe easier at night. Examples include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, sleeping on their side rather than their back, and keeping nasal passages open if your child suffers from chronic congestion.

Oral appliances

Wearing a custom-fit oral appliance, or mouthpiece, when your child sleeps keeps their airway open by repositioning their jaw and tongue.

Continuous positive airway pressure

Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep. The machine includes a breathing mask attached to a tube with pressurized air that keeps the airway open.

With effective pediatric airway treatment, your child can get a good night’s sleep and experience optimal growth, development, and school performance. Schedule an appointment with California Dental Sleep Solutions over the phone or online for an evaluation today.