Is it possible that your child is not ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)? Could he /she be a problem at school and have problems concentrating because they are not getting a full nights sleep?
Revealing new dental research is indicating that enlarged adenoids or tonsils constrict airways and therefore result in disturbed sleep. As we all know bad sleep or even lack of sleep brings all the symptoms of sleep deprivation which may include reduced performance, alertness or memory or even cognitive performance. Even one night of sleep deprivation could result in 32% of daytime alertness. This often significantly affects relationships and stress in the work place and in school.
So before starting on a program of Ritalin, check these signs. Look for the obvious signs of sleepiness or just lack of energy. Does your child wake up with a sore throat? Do you hear loud snoring? Have you noticed forgetfulness or mood swings? Do they occasionally wake up with a headache? Are they a mouth breather? When they speak do they sound like they have a plugged nose? A frequent runny nose and ear infections can also indicate problems with constricted airways.
Children have narrower airways and with enlarged adenoids or tonsils the passage of air is even more difficult. Your medical doctor can assess these areas but your dentist can assess the opening of the airways. By using a standard scale your dentist can help to grade efficiency of your childs airway. The airways can also be restricted due to high vault palate which is basically a more convex narrow palate. This condition constricts the nasal sinuses and reduces airflow. A consultation with the dentist would confirm that. A simply solution would be palatal expansion which would lower the palate and increase sinus space therefore facilitating breathing.
Some of these symptoms also apply to adults. These may indicate sleep apnea which can also be present for children.
If you feel your children may have some of these symptoms, call your dentist for an assessment. In diagnosing ADD, the importance of airways is often missed by medical doctors. It is a dental observation. It is important to have this looked at by a dentist. The first part of the first visit for any child is a observation of the total oral cavity. The palate is observed as well as the condition of gums, teeth, crowding, and the general health of the child. They will note any abnormal developments and make recommendations for future interceptive treatments.
Sometimes early expansion appliances not only help to open the palate but will make more room for growing teeth. These procedures help to eliminate or decrease the amount of time for orthodontic procedures at a later age. Sometimes sedation dentistry may be the answer for children who are a little afraid of the dentist.
