Loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
Pauses while breathing of 10 to 20 seconds or longer
Tossing and turning; excessive mouth breathing during sleep
Tiredness during the day
Irritability
Hyperactivity
Night sweats
Trouble concentrating
Behavioral problems
Headaches
Mood swings
Depression
Sleepwalking
Symptoms such as bedwetting, hormonal imbalances, and growth problems may also be linked to sleep apnea.
If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, it is vital to have them examined as soon as possible. There are a number of treatments that can help clear the airways and reduce risks to your child’s health. Please visit our website dedicated to sleep apnea and snoring for more information on pediatric sleep apnea.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Sleep Apnea
A thorough evaluation can help determine whether structural problems in the oral cavities may indicate the potential for sleep apnea in children. Dr. Fulbright can also help diagnose your child with a polysomnogram, which is a painless series of tests that can be performed overnight. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Fulbright has found an oral appliance known as a palate expander to be one of the most effective treatments. This simple technique utilizes a removable appliance designed to expand the hard palate over a period of time, which can open the airway and significantly reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. In some cases, children may need surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids to eliminate potential airway blockages. Those procedures are extraordinarily common ones among children, and can dramatically reduce sleep apnea conditions in some cases.

The HealthyStart™ System of Removable Oral Devices is another advanced treatment option for pediatric sleep apnea available at our practice. HealthyStart™ is a treatment program that utilizes three different types of removable oral appliances in three separate stages. This process can be ideal for children who have signs of disordered breathing and who could benefit from early orthodontic/orthopedic treatment. The HealthyStart™system’s oral appliances are made of a soft, clear plastic material and are custom-designed to provide a comfortable fit and gradual correction of your child’s orthodontic concerns. This treatment can be used to improve lower jaw development, expand the dental arches to ensure incoming teeth have room to grow, improve breathing by enlarging the airway, and help create better alignment for the first set of four permanent teeth once they come in. HeathyStart™ appliances can be worn throughout the night. Once treatment goals have been achieved with the first appliance, the next appliance will be worn. The treatment is complete once ideal results have been attained with the third and final HealthyStart™ appliance.
There are numerous treatments for sleep apnea, and the option that is right for your child will depend on his or her unique needs. Dr. Fulbright will perform a comprehensive examination and talk with you about all aspects of sleep apnea treatment before determining the best course of action for your child.
We can help your child achieve a better night’s sleep and reduce many of the physical and emotional effects that sleep apnea can cause. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment here at Fulbright Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, please contact us today.