Every parent knows that wholesome, sound sleep is crucial to the development and well-being of children and adolescents. However, sleep holds hidden dangers. Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by normal breathing repeatedly stopping and starting during sleep, is one of these silent threats. Dr. Kelley Mingus, a respected name in the dentistry field, emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment strategies targeting sleep apnea in the underage population.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea has long been considered as primarily affecting adults, especially those with obesity or advanced age. However, current studies show that it can also affect children and adolescents. There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common type, especially among younger age groups, is obstructive sleep apnea. In this variant, the muscles relaxing during sleep cause soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapse and block the airways, leading to interrupted breathing.
The Importance of Recognizing Sleep Apnea in Children and Adolescents
Risks and Implications
Long-term consequences of sleep apnea in children and adolescents can be alarming and far-reaching. Such risks include developmental issues, failure to thrive, behavioral problems, poor school performance, high blood pressure, heart problems, obesity, and an increased likelihood of future sleep disorders. As Dr. Kelley Mingus often explains to his patients, when children don’t get the quality sleep they need, it can affect nearly every aspect of their lives.
Identifying Symptoms
- Snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Nighttime sweating caused by increased effort to breathe
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Daytime sleepiness or behavioral problems
- Persistent bedwetting
Sleep Apnea Treatments Offered by Dr. Kelley Mingus
Interventions for sleep apnea in children and adolescents vary according to the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes. At the dental practice of Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon, the focus is on alternative, innovative, and patient-focused treatments.
Custom Mouth Appliances
One of the treatment options available at the clinic is a custom-fit mouth appliance or orthotic. Designed and carefully molded to fit the patient’s mouth, these appliances work by holding the jaw in a position that allows the tongue to rest outside of the airway, preventing it from blocking the breathing passage during sleep. They offer better comfort compared to the popular Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment, which many patients, especially children, find burdensome.
Facial Growth Orthodontics
Dr. Kelley Mingus also offers Facial Growth Orthodontics as an innovative treatment for sleep apnea. These interventions focus on promoting natural growth and development of the jaw, which in turn helps ensure the airway remains unblocked during sleep on a permanent basis. Unlike traditional braces, which tend to restrict natural growth, Facial Growth Orthodontics encourage the growth of the upper and lower jaw and create more room for the tongue to rest comfortably away from the airway, lessening the likelihood of sleep apnea episodes.
Moving Forward: Progressive Solutions for Sleep Apnea
With a better understanding of the life-altering implications of pediatric sleep apnea, we can see the urgency to pursue the most effective treatments. The industry is shifting away from heavily mechanized solutions towards more natural, growth-promoting approaches that address the root causes of the condition instead of merely treating the symptoms. Dr. Kelley Mingus’ practice in Bend, Oregon is at the forefront of this innovative shift, offering holistic solutions for those grappling with sleep apnea.