Greetings!

April 2011 Newsletter

Children’s Jaw Health & the link to ADHD/ADD

TMD (TMJ disorder/dysfunction) is most commonly thought of as a disorder affecting only adults. Unfortunately it can present itself in children at an early age and cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Simply noted as TMJ Children and Bruxism Children, the symptoms for children may be jaw pain and headaches or difficulty in normal functions of opening, chewing, swallowing, speaking and communications. It is sad but many children are not aware that something is wrong. They know no difference and assume pain and/or difficulties with function are normal and what everyone experiences. Unfortunately, if undiagnosed and left untreated, the symptoms and condition increase with age and cause larger issues. If your child begins to act out of character or presents symptoms of ADD or ADHD this could be a consequence of chronic lack of oxygen when they are sleeping due to sleep apnea. The good news with children is that they are still in developmental stage and the earlier the problem is diagnosed and treated the better the results!

Sleep disorders in children are conditions that prevent them from getting a full night’s rest on a regular basis. There are many children who, at some time(s), experience problems sleeping. The National Institutes of Health identify more than 100 disorders of sleeping and waking. Many of these issues are normal and may not be classified as a sleep disorder but proper diagnosis is required because an undiagnosed condition of obstructive sleep apnea can not only increase in severity as the child ages, it can even become life threatening. Some of the most common sleep disorders and problems are: Childhood Insomnia, Sleep Apnea in Children, Snoring in Children, Snoring or gasping for air, Nightmares and Night Terrors, Sleepwalking and Bedwetting. Obstructive sleep apnea in children is being increasingly recognized as a cause of attention and behavior problems as well as learning and developmental problems. Help your child live their best life and consult a Sleep Certified Dentist for more information. - Dr. Murray Knebel

Click here to schedule your
COMPLIMENTARY ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION