Ensuring Sweet Dreams and Sound Sleep for Your Child's Health
Pediatric sleep concerns, under the expert care of Dr. Nikki Shafiei at Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry, span a spectrum from disordered breathing during sleep, such as mouth-breathing, snoring, heavy breathing, to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These challenges arise when the muscles at the back of the throat relax, leading to a narrowing of the airway during your child’s inhalation. Dr. Nikki Shafiei adopts a collaborative team approach at Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry to effectively address and treat these pediatric sleep issues, prioritizing your child’s overall well-being.
How does your child sleep?
What are the signs?
Should your child experience insufficient oxygen during sleep, it may lead to inadequate oxygen supply to their brain. Irregular breathing serves as an indicator of potential airway obstruction, potentially manifesting in the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Heavy breathing
- Gasping/waking with a startle
- Holding of breath
- Mouth breathing
Even if your child appears to sleep through the night, the quality of their sleep may be compromised. Indicators of poor quality sleep in your child may include:
- Tossing and turning
- Waking in a tangle of blankets
- Sleeping in odd positions (head extended back, on their tummy with bottom-up)
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Bedwetting
Symptoms that are often attributed to ADHD might, in fact, be indicative of an underlying sleep issue. When children fail to reach their REM cycle, it can lead to impaired executive functioning skills, encompassing areas such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. The following are some of the symptoms associated with this:
- Hyperactivity or fidgeting
- Emotional or irritable behavior
- Easy distractibility
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty focusing or hyper-focusing
- Challenges with learning
- Issues with organizational skills
How to diagnose it?
Pediatric sleep issues present a multifaceted challenge that demands precise diagnosis. Recognizing the signs is just one aspect of unraveling the puzzle. If Dr. Nikki Shafiei suspects abnormal breathing during sleep, she aims to identify the root cause and collaborates with your ENT specialist to delve into the underlying factors. This process entails a comprehensive understanding of your child’s sleep environment, craniofacial structure, and functionality. Dr. Nikki Shafiei may utilize the following diagnostic tools to gain a comprehensive understanding:
- Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire
- Imaging (cone beam computed tomography or CBCT)
- High-resolution pulse oximetry (HRPO)
- Orthodontic models
- Oral motor functional assessment
- Breathing assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to your child’s sleep, “fine” isn’t always the full story. Many parents are surprised to learn that dental development and airway health can influence how well a child rests at night. Below are answers to common questions families often search when they’re concerned about pediatric sleep-disordered breathing and airway health.
Is it normal for children to grind their teeth at night?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is common in children. However, frequent nighttime grinding can sometimes be linked to airway concerns or sleep disturbances. If you regularly hear grinding sounds, it’s worth mentioning during your child’s dental visit so we can evaluate possible causes.
Can poor sleep affect my child’s behavior during the day?
Yes. Inadequate oxygen or disrupted sleep may contribute to irritability, difficulty focusing, mood swings, or hyperactive behavior. Some children who appear overly energetic during the day may actually be overtired. Healthy breathing during sleep supports better daytime performance.
What age is pediatric sleep apnea most common?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can occur at various ages, but it is often identified between ages 2 and 8 when tonsils and adenoids are larger relative to the airway. Early evaluation helps prevent long-term complications.
Should I wake my child if they seem to stop breathing briefly?
If you notice pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep, it’s important to seek professional evaluation. While brief pauses can occur occasionally, repeated interruptions may signal airway obstruction and should not be ignored.
Does pediatric sleep apnea go away on its own?
Some children may outgrow mild symptoms as they develop. However, persistent airway obstruction typically requires medical or dental intervention. Monitoring growth and airway development ensures the right steps are taken at the right time.
