What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
Sleep-disordered breathing results when a full or partial obstruction of the airway decreases your availability of oxygen, disrupting sleep.
There are many causes for sleep-disordered breathing, such as mouth breathing, poor muscle tone in the airway, poor diet, and underdevelopment of the jaws.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Mouth breathing during childhood can alter facial development, resulting in a recessed chin and constricted airways which can also increase the risk of lifelong sleep apnea. Myofunctional therapy and correct breathing method can help correct bad habits.
Warning Signs
Do you or your child breathe through your mouth day and night? Did you know that most people who snore are mouth breathers?
Sleep-disordered breathing not only affects the ability to get a restful night’s sleep, but it can also impact their overall health. Lethargy, altered mood, hormone fluctuation, and inability to deal with stress, are just a few of the issues that can result.
If left untreated, sleep-disordered breathing can even lead to terminal illnesses, including sleep apnea, heart attack, and stroke.
So, how can you tell if you or your child may be suffering from sleep-disordered breathing? The following are common warning signs:
- Problems sleeping
- Snoring
- Tossing and turning at night
- Grinding teeth or crooked teeth
- Bedwetting
- Asthma and Allergies
- ADHD and anxiety
- Having a history of ear infections
- Breathing through the mouth during sleep
Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing
It is important to intervene in children while they are still growing and developing so the bad habits and malformations can be eliminated and corrected. Correct nasal breathing habits can be established through oral appliances and myofunctional exercises.
Closed mouth breathing with the tongue in the roof of the mouth helps direct ideal maxillofacial growth. Below are just a few of the benefits of proper nasal breathing:
- Reduces collapsibility of the airway
- Promotes oropharyngeal opening during sleep
- Warms and humidifies the air
- Has an antibacterial effect
- Promotes oxygen transfer in the lungs
- Helps develop ideal arches for the proper development of jaws, airways, and dental arches.
Finding Connor Deegan
American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry
Watch this incredible story on how addressing his sleep breathing disorder changed Connor Deegan’s life.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep-disordered breathing is a term used to describe various complications that result during sleep, which can include anything from snoring or teeth grinding to more serious conditions like Sleep Apnea.
A chronic lack of sleep due to sleep apnea can have many negative effects on a person’s overall health. A few health problems which can result from sleep apnea are stroke, heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and heart attacks. Sleep apnea is not something to be taken lightly. Addressing is early is essential to keep your child healthy and happy for years to come.
There are two main types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is a condition whereby the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control a person’s breathing during sleep, causing irregular breathing and disturbed sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition whereby obstructed airways restrict proper breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Patient Testimonials
Brad Duerson
Dr. Johansen is very personable and knowledgeable! I went to bed one night without my Vivos and woke up gasping for air. I put in my Vivos appliance and slept well the rest of the night. I needed to know this wasn't a fluke, so I purposefully went to bed the next night and had the same result after putting in my Vivos. :)
Kent Schmutz
A fresh new office! Dr. Johansen has helped me improve my airway wellness as well as my teeth. Wow!
Jessica Wissler
Dr. Johansen is fantastic!
