Questions for Your Wilmington Dentist
Educating yourself about you and your family's dental health is a smart thing to do, and that's why we've included a list of commonly asked questions below.
Your comfort is our biggest priority, and that's why we want you to have as much information as possible. If you can't find your question or have an additional one, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Sleep Apnea and Oral Appliance Therapy
Yes, children can use oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea. It’s important to note, however, that suitability depends on the child's specific needs.
Oral appliance therapy uses custom-made devices, like mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue retaining devices (TRDs), designed to keep the airway open during sleep, typically by adjusting the position of the lower jaw and tongue. These appliances are commonly used in adults but can be effective in pediatric patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
For children, oral appliance therapy is an option when treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are not suitable or ineffective. However, while oral appliance therapy can be beneficial for children with OSA, it's important to continually monitor their still-growing jaws and teeth to ensure continued proper development.
In many cases, oral appliances are used as part of a broader treatment plan that can also include suggested lifestyle changes or surgical interventions. Consult with a pediatric sleep specialist or dentist to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right option for your child.
Compassionate Sleep Apnea Care for Kids in Wilmington, DE
If you're in Wilmington, DE, and want an experienced dental team to help protect your young ones from the potential pitfalls of sleep apnea, contact the caring and compassionate Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA, team today to book a consultation!
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep-related breathing disorder that affects over 20 million Americans, with about 75% of cases going undiagnosed. It is much more common in men than women, and the likelihood of sleep apnea increases as we age.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
A sleep apnea episode occurs when the tongue and muscles in the throat relax and soften to the point that they close off the airway. One of the most prominent sleep apnea symptoms is loud snoring or gasping for breath noticed by a sleep partner.
If you live alone, common signs of sleep apnea to look for are:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Waking up with dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood swings
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Weight gain
It’s crucial to identify and treat sleep apnea as moderate to severe cases significantly increase a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea in Wilmington, DE
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we can arrange an at-home sleep study test coordinated with a local sleep physician. While a CPAP mask is typically recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea, it can be cumbersome to wear, and many patients simply go without it.
An alternative to a CPAP mask that we offer at our Wilmington, DE dental office is customized oral appliance therapy or OAT. This device places your lower jaw in a slightly forward position that keeps the airway open and allows you to breathe freely.
Do You Have Sleep Apnea?
If you suspect sleep apnea, please don’t wait to seek treatment. There are solutions available to protect your health and allow you to get a restful night’s sleep. Please call us so we can help you.