Sleep Disordered Breathing in Bozeman, MT
Nearly every parent breathes a sigh of relief when their children fall peacefully asleep. Unfortunately, not all children sleep peacefully. Sleep-disordered breathing affects about 5 percent of children. These disorders cause shallow breathing or even interrupted breathing during sleep, and they can have serious long-term effects on growth and development.
Our dentist near you can help determine if your child suffers from sleep-disordered breathing in Bozeman, MT, and offer treatment to help. Our dental care team at Bridger Children’s Dentistry is dedicated to the long-term oral health of your child. We are also committed to their overall health and well-being, including alleviating sleep-disordered breathing to improve the quality of life for your whole family!
What Is Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Sleep-disordered breathing refers to any condition in which something blocks airflow and impedes a patient’s ability to breathe during sleep. In pediatric patients, this disorder is often due to the structure of the child’s airway. Dr. Nasim Aleagha’s expertise in these disorders allows for early identification and professional treatment.
The consequences of sleep-disordered breathing can be serious. If a child’s airway is blocked even for a few seconds at a time, in multiple instances during a sleep cycle, it causes oxygen levels in the body to decrease. When this happens, the brain wakes the body in order to take a breath. The combination of reduced oxygen levels and interrupted sleep patterns can lead to behavioral, developmental, and physical complications across time.
Symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing Near You
One of the first signs of sleep-disordered breathing that parents may notice is loud snoring by their child. However, snoring is not the only symptom. Dr. Nasim Aleagha recommends that parents monitor and communicate their child’s patterns, both during the day and while sleeping.
Other important symptoms to be aware of include:
- Breathing through the mouth
- Attention or behavior problems
- Daytime sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Restlessness, irregular breathing, or gasping noises during sleep
- Hyperactivity or irritability during the day
- Nighttime bed-wetting
Our dentist in Bozeman, MT, is dedicated to each child’s comprehensive well-being in addition to their oral health. At Bridger Children’s Dentistry, our dental care team understands that sleep-disordered breathing can have a negative impact on a child and their family. We look forward to assessing the health and wellness of your child!
