Do you ever have trouble breathing at night? The jaw is responsible for more than just chewing food – in fact, it also plays a vital role in sleep breathing. If your jaw isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause problems with airway obstruction, leading to a variety of problems, including snoring and sleep apnea.
How Does the Jaw Affect Sleep Breathing?
The relationship between the jaw, teeth, and airway is complex. The development of the jawbone affects the size and shape of the mouth, which can influence the size and shape of the airway. Our airways are dynamic – they change in size and shape as we breathe in and out.
When the jaw isn’t developing correctly, it can lead to restricted airways and sleep-related breathing problems, including sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and Children
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds to minutes and happen dozens of times per night. While most people think of adults when they think of sleep apnea, this condition can also affect children. Functional jaw orthopedics is a treatment that can help children with sleep apnea.
Orthodontic Treatment
Functional jaw orthopedics is a type of orthodontic treatment that helps to realign the jaw and improve breathing. This treatment can be used to treat both adults and children, but it is often most effective when used in childhood because the jaw is still growing.
While functional jaw orthopedics can be an effective treatment for sleep apnea, it’s important to remember that other factors can also cause this condition. If your child snores frequently or has pauses in breathing during sleep, it’s essential to seek medical help for a diagnosis.
Sleep Apnea Signs
There are a few key signs that may indicate your child has sleep apnea, which include:
- Chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Excessive daytime tiredness or fatigue
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to seek medical help. Functional jaw orthopedics can be an effective treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s crucial to get a diagnosis first. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Buck can work with you to develop a treatment plan for your child.
Breathe Better, Sleep Better
If your child is struggling with sleep apnea, functional jaw orthopedics can help. Dr. Buck can assess your child’s needs and develop a treatment plan to improve their breathing and help them get the rest they need. Contact us today at (425) 332-6279 to learn more about how we can help your family.
