Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine

Dr. Mayes provides a comprehensive, personalized approach to your child's sleep and dental health, specializing in pediatric dental sleep medicine. Dr. Mayes is trained to identify and treat breathing and airway issues in children, such as mouth breathing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A key focus is on using early orthodontic interventions, like palatal expansion, to improve airway health. Treatment often involves a collaborative team approach, working with various specialists to address the child's growth, development, and functional needs.

Common Signs of Pediatric Sleep Issues:

• Snoring

• Mouth breathing

• Restless sleep

• Daytime fatigue or hyperactivity

Key Aspects of Care:

• Screening and Recognition: We actively screen for symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, including heavy breathing, snoring, and mouth-breathing.

• Airway Evaluation: We assess the child's jaw development and tongue posture, as issues like improper tongue placement or narrow jaws can impede breathing.

• Interventions: Treatment often involves orthodontics or dentofacial orthopedics, specifically using interventions like palatal expansion to help open the airway.

• Collaboration: Comprehensive care, especially for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is managed through collaboration with other specialists.