Kids that do not get proper sleep can be misdiagnosed with behavioural issues such as ADHD, when it is lack of sleep that is causing the behaviour changes. University of Arizona study shows 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD show signs of sleep apnea and show behaviour symptom improvement after being treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a common sleep associated breathing disorder with profound effects on the health and quality of life of individuals who may suffer from it. Usual treatment includes removal of tonsils and adenoids or wearing a CPAP machine at night, rarely if ever, is there an orthodontic referral given. 

Here at Ocean Orthodontics we have a state-of-the-art 3D iCAT x-ray machine that can map out your airway by doing a comprehensive airway analysis. From these images the doctors can accurately diagnose and create a customized treatment plan to treat any potential issues they may see. A well-built functional appliance improves the airway the minute you put it in your mouth.

Before Airway

After Airway

So, when is it best to refer your child?

Before the age of 7 is recommended so there can be an early intervention if needed and capitalize on their growth.  If you’ve noticed your child snoring, is often tired or any noticeable behavioural changes, perhaps it’s time to make an orthodontic exam. 

Before you pack them that “healthy” snack, ask yourself what’s in the food that you’ve chosen for them to eat. Snack smart and be choosy for your kid’s by avoiding these treats:

Foods that May Cause Tooth and Enamel Damage

Trail Mix
Trail mix is a fantastic substitute for an unhealthy snack, but be careful when making your selection of snack mix, especially if your child has an orthodontic appliance. Unhealthy ingredients that can raise the amount of sugar and fat content should be avoided. Add-ins such as chocolate, dried fruit, and candy quickly transform this otherwise healthy snack into an unhealthy one.

Dried Fruit
Most parents think of fruit as a healthy snack, but dried fruit is kind of the exception to the rule. Dried fruit contains much higher levels of sugar than their natural counterparts and little to none of the water.  What helps to make fruit a healthy choice is less present in the dried variety, with the negative elements (sugar) being elevated. On top of an increase in sugar, dried fruit also tends to stick to teeth and braces, making it no better than a piece of gooey candy. (Can break brackets!) When considering fruit as a sugar swap, fresh is best.

Flavoured Water
Not many people want to drink the recommended daily intake of water so drinking a glass of water becomes a little more exciting for your taste buds when you add in a bit of something extra to give it some flavour, and there’s no harm in that…right? Wrong! Depending on your add-in of choice, you might be damaging your enamel more than you think.

Lemon and Lime Wedges
Citric acid within lemons and limes can have a significant damaging effect on your teeth. Citric acid wears away the enamel and allows other acids and sugars access to the tooth underneath, which leads to cavities over time.

Water Drops
These tiny squeeze bottles contain concentrated flavour that can be added to water a few droplets at a time, adding both sweetness and a bright, new colour. If you use water enhancers, follow the guidelines for serving sizes and how many times a day they’re recommended to use. These water drops are often sweetened with sugar and other artificial ingredients that can be damaging to your enamel.

A mouth-healthy diet is an essential piece of maintaining optimal oral health. If you’re concerned about how your child’s diet may be affecting their teeth and their journey with braces, schedule an appointment with Ocean Orthodontics today.