Airway Health Dentistry
It is estimated that nine out of ten children suffer from SDB (sleep disordered breathing). This can have a negative impact on their overall health, and cause a variety of performance issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, aggression, and nightmares. When the tongue isn’t properly positioned against the roof of the mouth during development, and when an individual isn’t able to breathe through their nose comfortably during development, dental and skeletal changes result that can contribute to a lifetime of breathing and sleeping difficulties. Healthy Start for Kids is a revolutionary new way to address the root causes of sleep disordered breathing, while simultaneously straightening your child’s teeth. Early orthodontic treatment using Healthy Start is crucial in preventing the need for more aggressive treatment later on.
What options are there for kids?
Healthy Start For Kids
Children may need Healthy Start for Kids if they are experiencing sleep disordered breathing symptoms. Some signs of this condition include:
- Bedwetting
- Snoring
- Fatigue and exhaustion during the day
- ADHD and restlessness
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Mouth breathing
- Grinding of their teeth
The Healthy Start for Kids device is a removable dental appliance that is BPA-free and latex-free as well as being FDA-cleared. It is worn 2 hours during the day and at night while they are sleeping. The purpose of the device is to help move the jaw into alignment so that breathing is easier and less disrupted. At the same time, the device helps to straighten teeth early on so that they come into alignment.
What makes your child a good candidate for Healthy Start for Kids?
It is important to know the signs of SDB and to discuss these issues with both Dr. Baldy as well as your child’s pediatrician. Together, we can determine if Healthy Start is right for your child. Because the vast majority of children have sleep disordered breathing, this device is a viable option for most kids and can be beneficial in a variety of ways. The fact that Healthy Start helps to straighten and correct malocclusion problems is another benefit to using the system.
What happens during the procedure for Healthy Start for Kids?
First, you and your child will come in for a consult with Dr. Baldy. We can help determine if Healthy Start is right for them. Next, a series of x-rays is taken to determine the current alignment of the jaw and its positioning. Your child will then be measured for the device, and will be told when and how to wear it. It is long-wearing and durable so that they can wear it without fear of it warping or breaking.
If you think your child might benefit from Healthy Start for Kids, call our office so that one of our helpful staff members can help answer your questions.
