Solving Sleep Disorders in St-Eustache

Sleep Disorders: Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Children

At Dr. David Benguira, we understand the importance of treating sleep disorders at their onset, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common breathing problem can have serious impacts on the health and well-being of children. As an orthodontist, Dr. Benguira works closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for sleep disorders in children, improving their quality of life.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common respiratory problems in children, affecting between 1 and 5% of them. It is particularly common in overweight or obese children, as well as in preschoolers, when the adenoids and tonsils are large relative to the size of the airway. This syndrome is characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the airway, leading to breathing pauses during sleep.

Signs and Symptoms of OSA

Children with OSA may experience a variety of symptoms beyond just fatigue. These include:
•Snoring and breathing problems during sleep
•Mouth breathing
•Hyperextension of the neck to try to open the airway
•Frequent awakenings and restless sleep
•Excessive sleepiness and frequent naps
•Morning headache
•Difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior
It is important to note that sleep disturbances have been reported in 25-50% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Frequent awakenings and sleep interruptions are often associated with these symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of OSA

Primary care physicians, such as pediatricians, may recommend specialized sleep testing to diagnose OSA. Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard, recording sleep variables such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory signals, as well as brain activity to assess sleep stages. Nocturnal oximetry, a simpler test that can be done at home, also provides important information.
First-line treatment for children with OSA typically includes tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, which significantly improve sleep, breathing, and quality of life. Other treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bidirectional positive airway pressure (biPAP), may be used as appropriate. In overweight children, weight management is also crucial.
Role of Orthodontics in the Treatment of OSA
Orthodontics plays an important role in the management of sleep disorders, especially in children. Signs to watch for include a long-looking face, mouth breathing, swollen and bleeding gums, dark circles under the eyes, a short upper lip, prominent front teeth, a narrow jaw, and loud snoring.
The literature shows that after first-stage orthodontic treatment or interceptive treatment, there is often a significant improvement in airway volume. This significantly decreases snoring, improves breathing and sleep quality, and often avoids ENT surgeries such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Parents also report an improvement in the child's mood, concentration in class, and even resolution of enuresis (bedwetting) episodes.

Dr. David Benguira: Your specialist in St-Eustache

If you think your child is experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. David Benguira is here to help. Located in St-Eustache, our clinic collaborates with sleep medicine specialists to provide a complete assessment and tailored treatment. Contact us for a free consultation and discover how we can improve your child's sleep quality and health.