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Giving Your Child a Good Night’s Sleep | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want to get a good night’s sleep. It’s imperative to have a functional tomorrow. But what happens when your little one has this issue? How do we fix it? Some need a bedtime story; others enjoy a bit of warm milk or a snuggle. But if your child’s sleep continues to be disrupted, it may be something more serious.

We may think that sleep issues like sleep apnea are issues for adults, but that isn’t the case. Sleep apnea can begin to affect children as young as 3. The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids, but other causes could be obesity, a tumor in the airway or certain birth defects.

So, what should you look out for as parents? Here are some common symptoms. If you find that your little one demonstrates any of these signs on a regular basis, it may be time to get a sleep study done to diagnose any sleep issues:

  • Loud snoring or noisy breathing (gasping or snorting) during sleep
  • Prolonged pauses in breathing
  • Mouth breathing
  • A nasal voice
  • Restlessness during sleep
  • Too much daytime sleepiness or irritability
  • Hyperactivity during the day
  • Behavioral problems
  • Sleep walking or night terrors
  • Bed wetting
  • Need for a nap past the age of napping
  • Learning problems
  • Morning headaches

If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are a few ways it can be treated, depending on your child’s condition.

  • Removing their tonsils.
  • Weight loss.
  • A CPAP machine may be needed while your little one sleeps to control the airway.
  • A rapid maxillary expansion device.
  • Inhaled steroids.
  • Keeping your home rid of second hand smoke, allergens and other conditions that may cause the issue to flare up.

For more information about sleep apnea, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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A Healthy Smile Starts from Day One | Schnecksville Dentist

When we think about dental health, we don’t necessarily think it begins from the day we are born. But it’s true – our dental health begins from birth. And since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, let’s take a look at the ways you can ensure your child has a healthy mouth from day one. After all, the earlier we instill good dental habits, the easier it will be to carry those habits on throughout their lives.

Infants may not have teeth, but that doesn’t mean that we should ignore their dental health. Wipe down their gums with a soft cloth after each feeding until their first teeth break through, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush with some water. One major issue infants face is baby bottle tooth decay – this can be avoided by limiting milk or sweetened liquids during sleeping hours and sticking to water instead.

If your child has a habit of sucking their thumb or a pacifier, there may be a chance of tooth misalignment. Because this is due to the act of sucking, it is important to try to wean them off bottles and these other habits around one year. As your child turns a year, it is time to start planning on their first dental visit. A great idea is to plan the appointment after naptime to ensure a calm, happy baby.

Once the baby teeth really begin to show, it’s time to start teaching good dental habits and the best way to do that is by example. Make this a family affair – turn on a little tune and brush for at least two minutes. Good dental hygiene leads to good dental health.

For more information about pediatric dental hygiene, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.