Skip to main content
Can Kids Have Sleep Apnea? Gainesville, GA
Children's Dentistry Gainesville, GA

If you are a parent, you know the importance of quality sleep for your children. Quality and duration of sleep influences their development, immune system, behavior and much more. What you may not know, however, is that your child’s poor sleep habits could be a result of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. While sleep apnea is most often found in adults, it can also occur in children. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea and finding a qualified dentist who can treat your child can help you avoid several concerning threats to their overall health and quality of life.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is characterized by shallow breathing or frequent pauses in breathing during nighttime sleep. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked either by the tongue, large tonsils or the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the throat. Sleep apnea can also result when the brain isn’t sending the proper signals to keep you breathing while you sleep. Regardless of why it occurs, untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous in both children and adults.

Sleep Apnea in Children

While only 2 to 4 % of children are diagnosed with sleep apnea, it can occur. When it does, it typically presents itself in kids between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. Sleep apnea is concerning in children for several different reasons. The most obvious is restless sleep or poor quality sleep at a time when they are developing physically and mentally. This can contribute to slower developmental milestones, excessive fatigue during the day, behavioral problems and even failure to thrive in severe cases.  – all due to a lack of quality sleep. Sleep apnea is most common in children between 2-8 years old.

How can you tell if your child may have sleep apnea? Here are some common warning signs:

  • Loud or frequent snoring
  • Frequent night waking
  • Mouth breathing
  • Enlarged tonsils
  • Excessive sweating at night
  • Headache in the morning

How a Sleep Apnea Dentist Can Help

Though it may seem surprising, your dentist may be the most likely to detect sleep apnea in your child. At Gainesville Dental Group, we have qualified and highly experienced dentists who are trained to diagnose and treat sleep apnea at all stages of life. There are specific clues in the mouth that can help reveal a sleep apnea disorder. If confirmed, your child may qualify for oral appliance therapy to properly open the airways during sleep and prevent sleep apnea episodes. Give your child the quality of sleep he or she needs. Call Gainesville Dental Group today!

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

Read more reviews Write a review

Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.