Sleep disordered breathing, the most common of which is sleep apnea, can impact your child’s growth, development, and quality of life. At Dentistry for Children, we offer Vivos appliance therapy to address the underlying causes of children’s sleep disorders, improving your little one’s quality of sleep and supporting healthy development. Visit our state-of-the-art facility serving Hammond, IN, to get your child's sleep and health back on track. 

Understanding Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep apnea in children is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a child's breathing is interrupted repeatedly during sleep due to a blocked airway. A child may stop breathing for seconds or minutes at a time and, in severe cases, up to thirty or more times an hour. The brain responds by waking your child up to breathe. However, continuous breathing interruptions may lower the oxygen in the blood to unhealthy levels, with long-term impacts on a child's health and development.

What Are Common Pediatric Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

Diagnosing sleep breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea can be challenging. The following are tell-tale signs that warrant having your child evaluated: 

• Frequent pauses in breathing through the night
• Loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep
• Poor quality sleep and restlessness
• Bedwetting, sleep terrors, or sleepwalking
• Daytime sleepiness or exhaustion
• Behavioral or learning difficulties such as hyperactivity or inattention
• Growth and developmental delays

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed in Children?

Many children suffering from sleep apnea are misdiagnosed with behavioral or learning disabilities. Accurate diagnosis by your local pediatric sleep specialists includes a complete medical history, a thorough physical examination, and a sleep study if recommended. A sleep study monitors your child's sleep patterns, breathing, and oxygen levels through the night, helping to accurately diagnose and manage your child's concerns.

What Is the Treatment For Sleeping Disorders in Children?

Sleep apnea treatments can vary depending on the cause. Removing your child's tonsils or adenoids can sometimes eliminate the source of obstruction, providing the needed relief. Other treatment options include positive airway pressure or oral appliance therapy to keep your child's airway open during sleep. 

While these traditional treatments are often successful at managing the symptoms of sleep apnea, they do not target the root cause. At Dentistry for Children, we offer Vivos appliance therapy, an FDA-approved sleep apnea solution that addresses the underlying causes of sleep disordered breathing, providing permanent relief. 

Understanding Vivos Appliance Therapy

The Vivos appliance offers a non-surgical, non-invasive solution to promote proper jaw alignment and development, expanding the airway. Your little one will wear the custom-fitted mouthguard-like appliance during sleep to prevent the airway from getting obstructed. 

Vivos appliance therapy helps correct oral posture, preventing the tongue from interfering with breathing. It also helps direct the growth of the hard palate, creating space for the upper airway for easy breathing during sleep. Vivos appliance therapy takes about 12-24 months to provide permanent relief, eliminating the need for surgery or invasive treatments down the road. 

Sleep Disordered Breathing Services Near Me Serving Hammond, IN

If your child experiences symptoms of sleep disordered breathing, contact Dentistry for Children for a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Halum will assess your child’s needs and may recommend Vivos appliance therapy for lasting relief. Call us at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment today!