Why Do Children Have Trouble Sleeping? Orthodontics May Be Able to Help
Getting the right amount of sleep has an incredible effect on childhood development. Over the last 20 years, science has given us insight into the importance that sleep plays in the function of the human body, and we now understand that we have just barely started to scratch the surface. How we breathe and sleep, along with what we eat, have dramatic effects on growth, learning behavior, mood disposition, hormonal harmony, disease state, and memory. Often the dental professionals are the first to notice that your child might not be getting the necessary amount of sleep to be healthy.
Sleep Is Vitally Important for Your Child’s Growth
We cannot live without sleep, and a significant proportion of the population is sleep deprived. While we are able to survive with this deprivation, the quality of our lives is affected and the health implications are tremendous. Children are particularly affected by sleep deprivation. Not enough or poor quality sleep impacts children’s mental and physical development and their general health. Mood swings, behavioral problems and cognitive problems can all be indications of poor sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation. Getting the right amount of sleep helps children deal with the normal anxieties of everyday life, alleviates unnecessary stress, improves memory, and helps increase the ability to focus. These factors are particularly important when it comes to your child’s academic success.
Children who get the recommended amount of sleep go to school ready and eager and able to learn. They get better grades, are able to engage in healthy ways with other kids and adults, and participate in more extracurricular activities. On the other hand, children who lack sleep usually have harder times focusing, are prone to moodiness, and show a lack of desire and motivation for activity and social engagements.
I want your child to be the healthiest he or she can be, and that means getting the right amount of sleep. Dentistry is not just about creating pretty smiles, even though it’s extremely pleasing to see toothy grins that reach from ear to ear. The teeth and oral hygiene have far-reaching effects on the well-being of the body, and sleeping is no exception.
What Role Does Orthodontics Have in Healthy Sleeping? More Than You Think
Many times, professionals in dentistry are the first to hear about sleep problems. After learning about issues sleeping, we look for signs of sleep breathing disorders and any obstructions that could be impeding the ability to breathe and therefore affect the sleep. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea affects more than 20 million Americans, causing sleep deprivation and impacting every aspect of individual health and daily life. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing for several seconds, which results in several nighttime awakenings. Because of these repeated interruptions, these patients (children or adults) suffer from lack of sleep.
Because dentistry and orthodontics alone cannot eliminate all the causes of sleep breathing disorders the dental professionals work together with a team of other specialists. Dr. Tamez, the Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist, works closely with us to help entire families reach their genetic potentials and thrive. As a team, we strive to improve your family’s well being, from physical health to mental health. Sleep is a part of that holistic approach, as it impacts every aspect of your family’s life.
We’re Here as a Team to Help Your Family Sleep Better
It’s never too late to begin to breathe and sleep to your full potential, but there is no more pressing a time than in early childhood as it can impede physical and mental growth. However, no one doctor can accomplish this goal. It truly takes a coordinated team of committed professionals. We want your child to be able to have a healthy, happy, and successful life, reaching his or her full potential. It’s getting the right amount of sleep that will help your child achieve their dreams in life. Please give us a call to find out how we can help 512-863-8580 or visit our website at www.georgetownbraces.com.