Tag: Sleep

What You Don’t Know About ADHD in Your Child

Posted on

Inattention, forgetfulness, and irritability are often symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also common symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in children. 

Does your child exhibit signs of ADHD? It’s crucial to know how these behaviors can be connected to disordered breathing—and how a dentist can help!

What is ADHD?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. It is characterized by an inability to pay attention, a lack of impulse control, and general hyperactivity. Such symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can appear as early as three years old and can potentially last through adulthood. 

What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?

Sleep-disordered breathing refers to abnormal breathing patterns while asleep. These can include apneas, in which a child intermittently stops breathing and wakes up to take a breath, as well as hypopneas, in which the child’s breath becomes shallow. Other signs in children can include snoring or audible breathing, mouth breathing, difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the morning, bedwetting, frequent changes in position during sleep, or excessive sweating while asleep.  The nightly disruption of restful sleep patterns can result in excessive daytime sleepiness as well as irritable, emotional, or moody behavior. 

How are they connected?  

Studies show a link between ADHD and sleep-disordered breathing. One study shows that children with ADHD report higher rates of daytime sleepiness than those without ADHD. Another study shows that 50% of children with ADHD had signs of sleep-disordered breathing as compared to 22% of children without ADHD. A recent study confirms that roughly 75% of those with ADHD have sleep-disordered breathing!  Teeth grinding, or bruxism can also be associated with sleep-disordered breathing.  If your child grinds their teeth at night you should discuss with your child’s dentist to learn how they can help.

Why should I care? 

Parents are rightfully concerned when their child shows ADHD symptoms. Such symptoms are correlated with low self-esteem, trouble focusing in school, and negatively impacted relationships. 

ADHD has been a point of controversy in the two decades. As rates of children with ADHD have increased dramatically since 2000, some argue that the neurodevelopmental disorder is both overdiagnosed and overmedicated. 

If your child shows symptoms of ADHD, it is worth further investigating their sleep patterns. Restorative sleep means increased focus, improved mood, and better overall health. 

Dr. Dan has had additional training to understand sleep-disordered breathing in children and how the dental team can help.  His team provides assessments that can offer insight into your child’s breathing patterns. This simple appointment can provide important information regarding your child’s wellness and quality of life. Contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, to make an appointment for your child today!

How A Pediatric Dentist May Help With Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Posted on

“Sweet dreams!” you whisper as you flip on the nightlight and gently close the door. As your little ones drift off and slip into a deep slumber, your house—finally—slips into a calm, stillness. 

But have you ever noticed that momentary peace is quickly disrupted by a loud snore? 

If so, your child might be among the 1 to 4 percent of children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleep disorder in which a child’s upper airway is partially or fully blocked. Pediatric OSA prevents proper airflow by briefly and repeatedly stopping a child’s breathing as he or she sleeps. This, of course, prevents a restorative night’s sleep. 

The most common symptoms while your child is asleep may be limited to just teeth grinding or may also include snoring, tossing and turning, mouth breathing, long pauses between breaths, night sweats/terrors and bedwetting. Though daytime sleepiness is prevalent in adults who have sleep-disordered breathing, children can present with behavioral problems. In fact, in many cases, children are actually misdiagnosed with ADHD.

Read on to learn five reasons that can cause a child to suffer from pediatric sleep apnea. 

1. Family History of Sleep Apnea 

OSA is a genetic condition and thus can be passed down from either parent. This occurs because children tend to inherit the facial features of their parents. 

2. High Body Mass Index

Adult OSA typically afflicts those who are older and overweight. Similarly, child obesity has been associated with pediatric sleep apnea. In these cases, weight management, such as nutrition and exercise, can reduce sleep apnea’s impairments. 

3. Abnormal Oral Tissues

Abnormally restrictive oral tissues know a a frenum can effect a child’s sleep.  More commonly known as lip and tongue ties, these conditions can impair proper function of the lip and tongue.  The tongue is especially important for proper breathing.  Impaired tongue position can have an impact on upper jaw development which in turn has an effect on nasal vs mouth breathing.  

4. Narrow Anatomy of Mouth, Jaw, or Throat

As a child falls asleep, all of his or her muscles relax. The mouth, jaw, and throat are no exception. If your child already has a narrow airway as well as a relatively large tongue, when relaxed, the airway can be easily obstructed.

5. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can play a role in preventing proper airflow during the night. Like an anatomically narrow airway, the larger anatomy of these structures can become an issue when your child sleeps.  Allergies to environmental irritants such as dust or pollen can further enlarge the tonsils and adenoids affecting breathing and sleep. 

What if your child is exhibiting symptoms? 

There are various treatments for those who experience pediatric OSA. Such treatments include allergy medications, weight management, inhalers, and in some cases tonsil and adenoidectomy.  Oral appliance therapy, such as palate expanders, is another treatment in which a child wears an oral device that gently helps the upper jaw grow wider.  This opens the airway by increasing both upper jaw size and airflow through the nose.  The inside of the nose after all is the other side of the palate.  

Are you lying awake at night because you’re worried your little one is snoring loudly, isn’t getting a restful night’s sleep, or maybe they are not behaving like the child you know they could be?  Every child is different, and the most crucial first step is a proper diagnosis. Rest easy by seeking out the best care for your child. Dr. Daniel Moheban has completed advanced training in pediatric dental sleep medicine and has helped many children breathe more easily and grow into the best version of themselves.  Contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, to schedule an airway evaluation and sleep disorder screening with Dr. Moheban!

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

Posted on

Your child needs sleep, that’s a fact. But they require different amounts of sleep as they age. Here’s a quick guide outlining how much sleep your child during each stage of their development. 

0 – 3 Months Old 

Sleep can be hard to come by with a newborn baby. That’s because newborns need a total of 10 – 18 hours of sleep per day on an irregular schedule. Newborns will fuss, cry or rub their eyes when they need to sleep, so parents should pay attention to understand when to put them to bed. 

Newborns need 10 – 18 hours of sleep per day.

4 – 11 Months Old 

Around 4 – 11 months, infants are usually capable of sleeping through the night, with occasional disturbances. In addition, most infants will take 2 – 4 naps per day, which can last between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Parents should put their infants to bed when they show signs of sleepiness, rather than waiting for them to fall asleep. This will help them become more independent when falling asleep in the future.

Infants need 10 – 18 hours of sleep per day. 

1 – 2 Years Old 

Around 18 months, your toddler will begin needing less frequent naps, and may only take one nap, for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Many toddlers resist going to bed at bedtime, and experience nighttime awakenings. Parents can help their toddlers sleep through the night by setting a consistent bedtime schedule, which helps set their internal clocks to a designated bedtime.

Toddlers need 9 – 16 hours of sleep per day. 

3 – 5 Years Old 

Preschoolers typically sleep between 11 – 13 hours per night, and only require one nap per day. As with toddlers, preschoolers can experience difficulty sleeping through the night, and some resist bedtime. Parents can help children get past this with a security item like a blanket or teddy bear, which can comfort children through the night. 

Preschoolers need 8 – 14 hours per day. 

6 – 13 Years Old 

As a child’s schedule increases with school and social activities, their need for a good night’s rest increases too. Typically, children don’t need naps, but do need to get a solid 8 – 12 hours of sleep per night.  Try limiting TV and digital entertainment before bed, which can make it more difficult for a child to fall asleep. 

Children need 8 – 12 hours of sleep per day. 

14 – 17 Years Old 

By this point, your teen should be able to sleep comfortably throughout the night, and may only need one nap per day, between 20 – 40 minutes. In fact, your child may come to value their sleep and need no instruction to go to bed. Try to emphasize the importance of adequate sleep with your child, and establish a bedtime routine that takes TV’s and computers out of their bedroom, and avoid caffeinated beverages at dinner so that they don’t have extra energy before bed. 

Teens need 7 – 11 hours of sleep per day.

Does Your Child have Trouble Sleeping? 

Poor and inadequate sleep can lead to developmental problems, mood swings, and impact your child’s ability to learn. Talk to us about your child’s sleep routine, and pay attention to your child’s nightly routine to see if there are any routines that may be impeding their ability to sleep.

Latest News from Children's Dental Specialties