I'd like to share with you a topic that has become of increasing interest to me lately. I'm sure you've heard of sleep apnea, or at least been awakened to the sound of someone snoring. But, should you be concerned if that person is your son or daughter? A growing amount of research on the subject of childhood snoring says we should have serious concern. Pre-pubescent children who snore and/or grind their teeth at night should be considered for a sleep study. Snoring in childhood is NOT normal. More interestingly, there is a growing consensus in medicine that a sizable number of children are being misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD (and medicated!) when what they really need is a tonsillectomy and/or orthodontic treatment. Failure to do so in a child who has sleep apnea can cause facial and oral changes that can be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse in adulthood.
The symptoms of childhood apnea are quite different than adult apnea. Children who fail to receive oxygen during sleep can appear more hyperactive during the day. If any of these symptoms are ringing a bell with you, please don't hesitate to call our office or that of your pediatrician. More and more dentists and primary care doctors are working with ENTs to address this issue and can get you answers you have been seeking.
For more information, please watch this video: