Sleep Hygiene San Diego

Helping Your Child Sleep Better with Dental Design SD in San Diego

As both a mom and a dentist, I know firsthand the challenges that come with sleep issues in kids—especially when they’re tied to dental health. When my own child started snoring, breathing through their mouth, and struggling with focus at school, I was concerned. After going down this journey myself, I’ve learned just how important sleep hygiene and effective treatments are for kids, and I’m thrilled to share what we’re doing at Dental Design SD to help other families in San Diego find similar solutions.

Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children: A Mom’s Insight

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is more common in children than many people realize. It includes conditions like mouth breathing, snoring, and even obstructive sleep apnea. My own child struggled with these, which didn’t just impact their sleep but also led to challenges with focus, mood, and overall energy. As a mom, I wanted my child to feel rested, happy, and ready to thrive, and as a dentist, I knew there had to be a way to help.

Here at Dental Design SD, we approach SDB with the understanding that your child’s dental and physical development are deeply interconnected. We provide treatment options that gently support the growth of your child’s jaw and help improve their breathing for lasting, positive effects.

How Oral Appliances and Myofunctional Therapy Made a Difference for My Child

Through my own experience, I found that non-invasive treatments like oral appliances and myofunctional therapy can be truly life-changing. Here’s how each works and why I chose them for my child:

Custom Oral Appliances for Better Breathing

A custom oral appliance gently guides a child’s jaw development, supporting an open airway while they sleep. It’s comfortable, easy for kids to wear, and helps prevent the jaw misalignment that can lead to snoring and sleep issues. My child adjusted quickly, and it made a significant difference in their sleep quality. The best part? It’s non-invasive, and we get to support their natural growth at the same time.

Myofunctional Therapy for Building Healthy Habits

Myofunctional therapy focuses on simple exercises to strengthen the mouth, tongue, and facial muscles. For us, this was a game-changer! My child learned techniques to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth, which improved their sleep and even their daytime focus. Myofunctional therapy is also a fun, engaging process for kids, and it fosters good habits that will benefit them well into adulthood.

Practical Sleep Hygiene Tips for Kids with SDB: From a Mom Who’s Been There

As a parent, I know the value of practical tips that actually work! Here are a few sleep hygiene practices that I’ve found make a big difference:

1. Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

I saw how powerful a steady bedtime and wake-up time was for my child. It didn’t just help with sleep; it improved their mood, focus, and energy. Try to establish a set schedule for your family, even on weekends.

2. Set a Calming Bedtime Routine

We’ve embraced a “wind-down” time in our house: reading books, playing soft music, or coloring together. Avoiding screens before bed has been especially helpful, as the blue light from screens can disrupt sleep.

3. Encourage Nose Breathing During the Day

Nasal breathing became a habit for my child through myofunctional exercises. During the day, I gently remind them to keep their lips together and breathe through their nose. This habit doesn’t just improve sleep; it also helps with focus and overall calm.

An estimated nine out of ten children suffer from one or more symptoms related to Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) — JAOS, Bergesen