At Braeside Dental we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to further our studies as a team. We accomplish this in many ways. Arrangements are made to have facilitators come into the office to teach us CPR and better, more efficient ways to help our patients. Another great opportunity we have is to watch training videos online. Dr. Frank Spear is the founder and director of Spear Education. His lectures, seminars, and workshops have transformed how dentists approach dentistry today. He is based out of Scottsdale Arizona.
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a video online called: “Questions to Screen Children for Airway Dysfunction and Sleep Issues”. The video was presented by Dr. Rouse, whom I really enjoyed listening to.
Sleep is very important, as children require approximately 10-12 hours a night, adolescents 9 hours, and adults 6-8 hours. I am sure we’ve all noticed that after a good night sleep we’re able to make better decisions. Dr. Rouse experienced these issues first hand with his son at a very young age.
Below is some information that I have compiled:
Functions of Sleep:
- Fatigue reversal
- Biochemical refreshment
- Immune function
- Memory
- Psychological well-being
In addition, breathing is the keystone of facial growth and development.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Does your child have trouble going to bed or falling asleep?
- Awaken during the night and have trouble returning to sleep?
- Do they tend to breathe through their mouth during the day or during sleep?
- Dry mouth or bad breath when waking up in the morning?
- Have you noticed in your child while sleeping:
- Snores, has heavy or loud breathing
- Has breaks or pauses in their breathing
- Gags, chokes or struggles to breathe
- Has restless or agitated sleep, grinds their teeth
- Has abnormal head postures
- Excessively sweats
- Wets the bed
If you have answered yes to any of these questions or have any concerns, we are ready to help you in any way that we can or direct you to a physician.
-Bonnie
Braeside Dental Centre
Braeside Dental Centre
