Orthodontics

Does your child play sports? If so, you might be wondering, “Can you play sports with braces or Invisalign?”  The team at The Brace Place is here to assure you that, yes, sports and orthodontics can go hand-in-hand. Here, your Tulsa and Claremore, OK, specialist in orthodontics, Dr. Patel, covers a few considerations for participating in sports while you have braces or Invisalign®.

Priority #1 – Protecting Your Mouth When Playing Sports with Braces

The American Association of Orthodontics conducted an independent survey about mouthguards and youth sports. While 99% of parents felt kids should wear a mouthguard when playing sports, 37% of respondents said their kids don’t ever wear one to protect their smiles. 

With sports and braces, your first concern is for the safety of the mouth. Oral trauma while playing sports like a ball to the face or collision with another player, can damage braces as well as teeth. The metal parts of braces can get pushed against the inside of your lips or other areas of your mouth and cause cuts and pain.

A braces mouthguard goes a long way in protecting teeth and your appliance. But if you do sustain a mouth injury — even with a mouthguard — see us right away so Dr. Patel can assess the damage to your teeth and orthodontics.

Damage to Braces or Injury to Teeth Can Affect Orthodontic Progress

Damaged or broken braces, or injured teeth can delay your teeth straightening. How? Damaged braces need time for repair or replacement, while injured teeth need fixing and healing before resuming your orthodontics treatment. These delays can change the progress your teeth have made toward your final smile; your orthodontist might need to adjust your treatment plan so your teeth can get back on track. Damaged braces or injured teeth also require extra costs you might not have expected.

Orthodontic Mouthguards and Traditional Mouthguards are Different

Before your child had braces, did you use a typical sports mouthguard? If so, you’ll want to know that a standard sports mouthguard and an orthodontic mouthguard are different. A non-orthodontic mouthguard typically doesn’t have the extra room needed to cover braces comfortably.

In contrast, an orthodontic mouthguard made especially for braces-wearers has the extra clearance needed to fit over brackets and wires. Plus, orthodontic mouthguards are made of softer material like silicon instead of hard plastic. This more flexible material both absorbs impact better and protects braces. Since braces treatment is unique from person to person, Dr. Patel suggests a custom braces mouthguard that fits your teeth and your teeth only. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) you can lower your risk of oral injury by almost twofold if you wear the right mouthguard.

Playing Sports with Invisalign Might Affect Your Wearing Time

So we’ve talked about braces and wearing a sports mouthguard, but what if you or your child is using Invisalign? Do you still wear a sports mouthguard with Invisalign? Simply put, no. Both Invisalign trays and a sports mouthguard fit tight to teeth, so you can’t wear them at the same time. If you’re transforming your smile with Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll have to take them out during sports and wear a regular mouthguard.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that you need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 22 hours a day to stay on track with your treatment plan. If you add up the hours your Invisalign is out for eating, cleaning your teeth, and sports, it could total more than a couple of hours a day. If so, braces might be a better option.

You Might Need to Change Your Custom Braces Mouthguard Several Times as Your Teeth Shift

Dr. Patel and The Brace Place team are here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted efficiently and as comfortably as possible. So as your teeth shift positions towards your final smile, you might need to get a new custom mouthguard every few months to fit the new positions of your teeth as they change.

At The Brace Place, we offer custom mouthguards to take you through your orthodontics journey while playing sports. Whether you’re straightening teeth with braces or Invisalign, a custom orthodontic mouthguard includes Dr. Patel taking an impression of your teeth with our painless and quick iTero® digital scanner, then designing a mouthguard to fit precisely. 

Get Your Braces Mouthguard With Your Tulsa, OK Orthodontist

If you’ve got braces or Invisalign and a sports season is coming up, ensure you’re ready to protect that smile! Contact us for an appointment at our Tulsa or Claremore office about getting a custom-fit sports mouthguard.

So you’ve recently started wearing braces or Invisalign and want to be on top of all things orthodontics wherever you go. The Brace Place team suggests packing a handy braces or Invisalign supplies kit with these 12 orthodontic supplies so you’re always prepared, whether you’re at school, work, or traveling.

1. Dental Floss

First, a pro tip: floss first, then brush; it’s more effective than the other way around. Second, many patients at The Brace Place ask us what kind of floss they should use for braces. Dr. Patel suggests going with what’s most comfortable: traditional waxed floss, ribbon floss, Superfloss, or orthodontic flossers are all great in a to-go orthodontics supplies kit. 

2. Floss Threader

New braces-wearers sometimes find flossing around braces with traditional or ribbon floss a little challenging at first; a floss threader can help: it’s a small tool with a large loop on one end and a tail that helps guide your floss through.

3. Interdental Pick/Brush

The tiniest little toothbrush you’ve ever seen, an interdental brush looks like a toothpick with tiny bristles at one end. Use it to dislodge food stuck in your braces or for flossing between teeth.

4. Travel Sized Toothbrush for Braces

By now, you’re likely well versed in the rule of brushing twice daily for two minutes every time. But with braces, you might find you brush more often; Dr. Anand Patel suggests you also brush after every meal and snack, whether you’re at home or away. So include a soft-bristled, travel-sized toothbrush in your to-go kit for keeping teeth and braces clean all day. Not sure of the best method for brushing with braces? Your Tulsa and Claremore orthodontic team is happy to show you best practices for brushing your teeth with your new braces. 

5. Toothpaste for Braces

It’s common sense that toothpaste is necessary for maintaining clean, healthy teeth. But which toothpaste should you choose for brushing with braces when you’re on the go? Find a travel-sized fluoride toothpaste to pop into your orthodontic supplies kit, but be sure to skip any whitening ones, or you might end up with unevenly white teeth after your braces come off. 

Want to save space in your braces kit? Consider a pre-pasted, single-use toothbrush like these Wisps by Colgate. 

6. Mini Mouthwash For Extra Bacteria Fighting Power

Braces or not, we all want to have fresh breath. Mouthwash offers an extra boost in getting rid of oral bacteria and bad breath. A swish of nearly any drugstore-brand mouthwash can help kill any lingering bad bacteria. The best mouthwashes for braces contain ingredients that aim to soothe sore gum tissue, reduce white spots, and contain fluoride.

7. Wax for Braces Discomfort and Emergencies

Some patients new to braces experience oral discomfort from wires pressing against their tongue, the inside of their lips, or their cheeks. To help alleviate this pain and give your soft oral tissues a chance to recover, include wax for braces in your orthodontic supplies kit.

Pinch off a pea-sized amount and roll it into a slightly flattened ball. Press the wax onto the problem area and use your tongue to move it into place. To remove the wax, use the dental floss or interdental pick you’ve also packed in your orthodontic travel kit.

Wax for braces is also handy for braces emergencies — like if you have a broken bracket in your braces. You can use the wax to anchor the bracket until you can come in to see Dr. Patel.  

8. Braces Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard that protects your braces and teeth when you’re playing sports is a must. The Brace Places offers custom sports mouthguards which ensure an exact and protective fit over your braces. You might need to get a few different mouthguards as your braces treatment progresses and your teeth shift positions.

9. Compact Mirror

A small mirror is handy for seeing if you have any food debris caught in your braces and checking to see if your teeth are squeaky clean after you’ve cleaned them.

10. Pain Reliever

Over-the-counter pain relief can help alleviate discomfort from new braces or after an adjustment. Make sure you have approval from your doctor. If you’re prepping a braces kit for your child or teen, ensure that you have the thumbs up from their school to include this medication in their belongings. 

11. Tissue

From wiping wet fingers after applying wax for painful braces to cleaning up a bit of drool, toothpaste, or water after cleaning your teeth, travel pack tissue is an indispensable part of your travel orthodontic supplies.

12. Invisalign Storage Case 

If you’re using Invisalign to straighten your smile instead of braces, add an Invisalign storage case to your orthodontic supplies kit. Always store your clear aligners in their case when you take them out to keep them clean, prevent damage, and keep you from misplacing them when you’re out and about.

Get More Tips for On-the-Go Braces Supplies

Have more questions about what to pack into a travel orthodontic supplies kit? Give us a shout or make an appointment to visit our Tulsa or Claremore office. Dr. Patel and The Brace Place team have the experience and knowledge to help you enjoy your orthodontic experience from start to finish and wherever you are.

When is the best time to start orthodontic treatment? Summer is often an ideal time to start braces or Invisalign, especially for kids. Why? Here, 5 reasons from The Brace Place team to consider:

1. You’ll be a pro by the time school starts again

Let’s be honest, getting braces or Invisalign® is an adjustment at first. Whether you’re thinking about teeth straightening for you or your child, it’s a fact that orthodontic treatment does change your daily life a little. Summer’s looser schedule gives you time to focus on building great new habits with your orthodontics without the pressure of other time commitments. Come fall, wearing braces or Invisalign will feel natural.

With braces, some foods — especially hard, crunchy, or gummy foods — can damage braces and it can take some trial and error to figure out your favorite braces-friendly foods. Plus, brushing with braces takes more diligence; you’ll need to level up your daily brushing and flossing to make sure plaque and food debris don’t stick to your braces and contribute to tooth decay.

And if you’re thinking about getting Invisalign? Unlike braces, you can continue your usual eating habits — since you take clear aligners out when you eat or drink anything other than water. But you do have to take extra time to clean your Invisalign trays every day and deep clean them twice a week, too.

2. You can take advantage of summertime cold treats to soothe discomfort

When you have braces or Invisalign, your teeth, gums, and jaw work hard to shift into their ideal positions. So it makes sense if you experience a little pain or discomfort at times. Cold treats like fresh fruit smoothies or ice cream go hand-in-hand with summer and are a great way to soothe oral discomfort from braces or Invisalign treatment.

3. Appointments won’t clash with your busy school year schedule

For busy families, scheduling during the school year is like fitting puzzle pieces together. Juggling after-school activities, work, and a myriad of health and well-being appointments can be a lot. That’s why starting braces or Invisalign in the more relaxed season of summer is a great idea — you can fit in your initial appointments without missing school, work, practices, or lessons.

4. Save with our limited-time offer: $500 off braces or Invisalign

Your Tulsa and Claremore orthodontist is making orthodontics even more affordable this summer with $500 off your braces or Invisalign. Save on your out-of-pocket braces or Invisalign cost, plus, make it even easier with our flexible payment options.

5. Get all the info you need about getting braces or Invisalign at our summer Patient Appreciation event

Want to know more about the Invisalign process or what getting braces treatment is like? Come by The Brace Place offices on Monday, June 19 and Tuesday, June 20th from 1:00-3:00 pm. We’re holding a Patient Appreciation Event at our Tulsa and Claremore offices with free shaved ice treats from the KONA truck.

Tulsa Office: June 19, 2023, 1:00-3:00pm
Claremore Office: June 20, 2023, 1:00-3:00pm

With 25 years of straightening teeth as an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Patel is a smile expert. He and The Brace Place Team will be on hand to answer all your questions about orthodontic treatment with modern metal and ceramic braces, as well as Invisalign clear aligners.

Start your smile transformation this summer with The Brace Place

Can’t make it to our Patient Appreciation event? Get your braces or Invisalign questions answered at a free initial consultation instead. Contact us to schedule your summer appointment at our Tulsa or Claremore, OK office.

As a parent, you receive a constant flood of information when it comes to raising kids. Everything from sleep to screen time, nutrition to emotional well-being, academics to activities — there’s a lot out there. Understandably, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction sometimes or decide what to do for your child and your family.

 

If you have babies or toddlers, one thing you might be wondering about is what to do about thumb sucking or pacifiers. You might’ve heard or read things like, “Thumb sucking is bad for teeth!” or “Pacifiers cause teeth damage!” Conversely, you might also have heard that thumb sucking and pacifier use is natural, and should be left to run their course. Which is right? And what should you do? 

 

Dr. Patel and the team at The Brace Place are here to ease the confusion. We’ve put together a fact-based guide to thumb sucking and pacifiers — from an orthodontist who’s treated thousands of kids. We’ll answer questions like “Are pacifiers bad for teeth?” and “What does thumb sucking do to teeth?” 

 

 

Thumb sucking and pacifiers for babies: it’s ok!

 

Let’s start with infancy and thumb sucking. Simply put, thumb sucking for babies is perfectly natural and a common part of the developmental process. In fact, a Johns Hopkins Medicine article says about 90% of newborns show some kind of hand sucking a mere two hours after birth. 

 

Sucking habits — hands, fingers, or thumbs — help babies self-soothe. And putting things in their mouths is a way babies learn about and experience the world around them. So you can breathe a sigh of relief if your baby sucks their thumb and there’s no need to discourage it during infancy.

 

And pacifiers? When it comes to pacifier use, one study by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that about 75-85% of babies in Western countries use a pacifier sometime during infancy. It can be an extension of their natural sucking reflex. And research has shown that pacifier use when a baby sleeps reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So it’s ok to offer a pacifier if your baby accepts one.

 

 

Orthodontic pacifiers

 

Consider giving your baby an orthodontic pacifier during their early months instead of a traditional one. What’s the difference? An orthodontic pacifier’s nipple has a flat end, while a traditional pacifier has a rounded nipple. The flat shape is meant to mimic nursing and encourage a more natural tongue movement. A 2018 systematic review of studies found that orthodontic pacifiers reduced the risk of an open bite in comparison with rounded pacifiers (though the authors stated a more well-designed, randomized, and controlled trial was needed). 

 

 

At what age are pacifiers bad for teeth? And thumb sucking? 

 

Up until around age one, thumb sucking and pacifier use typically won’t have any negative effects on your baby’s tiny teeth or jaw. And since sucking is a natural and useful part of infancy, it’s ok to let your baby suck their thumb or pacifier in that early stage.

 

But when are pacifiers bad for teeth? And when should you discourage thumb sucking? Well, prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use is shown to increase the likelihood of affecting teeth and jaw growth if continued into later toddlerhood or elementary school. You might have to step in to help your child stop sucking their thumb at that point. Or decide how and when to take their pacifier away. 

 

Kids who still have a persistent habit of sucking their thumb or using their pacifier by kindergarten are more likely to develop orthodontic issues like crooked teeth or a bad bite. A meta-analysis in the International Journal of Orthodontics concluded that pacifier use after age three causes high incidences of an anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, a narrow upper arch, and a high, narrow palate. These issues become even more serious in kids who still use a pacifier after age five.

 

In addition, several studies — like the one published in the Journal of the American Dental Association — found that the most significant issues occurred in children who continued their thumb or pacifier sucking habit beyond age four. 

 

The good news? Most kids stop thumb sucking on their own between ages two and four. And the same thing goes for pacifiers — many grow out of it and chances are you won’t need to decide when to take their pacifier away. 

 

Now, we should mention that the occasional thumb sucking shouldn’t affect your little one’s teeth. Some toddlers still pop their thumb in their mouth without sucking in times of stress or to help soothe themselves as they doze off. This is called passive thumb sucking and is considered fairly normal. How can you tell what’s passive thumb sucking and what’s not?  Look for more aggressive jaw movements when their thumb is in their mouth or listen for popping noises when they take their thumb out. 

 

 

What can you do to stop thumb sucking and pacifier use?

 

Is your child around two or three years old and still has a strong thumb sucking or pacifier habit? The American Academy of Pediatrics Dentistry says you should step in after age three. However, the American Dental Association recommends giving a bit more time and discouraging these habits if they continue past age four.

 

So based on the research, we suggest gently getting your little one to give up, or least decrease their thumb or pacifier sucking around age two or three to be safe. If you can’t get your child to stop thumb sucking or using their pacifier by age four, we recommend coming in to see your pediatric dentist or us at The Brace Place. 

 

Whether you decide on a “cold turkey” style or a more gradual approach, here are six quick tips for helping your child stop thumb sucking or using their pacifier:

 

1.Empower your child to start on their own. Talk to your child calmly and gently about their habit and why they need to start trying to stop. The name of the game is empowerment (not shame or criticism): let them know you can help when they’re ready. Sometimes even bringing it up is all you need to get the ball rolling.

 

2. Use positive reinforcement. Praise your child whenever you notice they haven’t sucked their thumb or pacifier when they normally would.

 

3. Reward them. Use a sticker chart, prizes, or other external motivations you know they respond to.

 

4. Allow them to talk about their feelings. As we mentioned earlier, stress or anxiety can cause a child to suck their thumb or use a pacifier. If you see this is the case, take time to find out what they’re feeling and decide on what to do instead. Maybe your child needs a cuddle, a walk or some fresh air, and a chance to talk about what’s bothering them.

 

5. Distract them or change their activity. Sometimes it’s simply that your little one is bored, fidgety, or just having a hard day and is cranky. Offer a new activity like coloring, a new game, puzzles, fidget toys, or playing outside for a change of scenery.

 

6. Put in a habit-breaking appliance. If your at-home efforts just aren’t working, you can come into The Brace Place and find out if a special appliance will work for your child. A habit-breaking appliance blocks your child’s thumb from coming in contact with the back of the upper teeth, helping stop thumb sucking by making it less enjoyable. Rest assured, it’s not painful and is effective when all else fails!

 

Remember that some techniques work for one child but not another. And it can change from one day to the next. Or hour by hour! Consider what works for you and your little one. In the end, what you can prevent at an early age will help determine your child’s need for braces or Invisalign later on.

 

 

What happens to teeth after prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use?

 

It’s no surprise that Dr. Patel has seen and treated many orthodontic issues from thumb sucking and pacifier habits that have gone on too long. After all, he’s been an orthodontist for more than 20 years! 

 

What are the most common orthodontic issues that happen to teeth from extended thumb sucking and pacifiers? Here we list the top three Dr. Patel has seen in his many years of orthodontic experience:

 

• Protruding front teeth – Sucking on a thumb or pacifier puts pressure behind the front teeth, making them tilt or stick out. Also known as ‘’buck teeth,” these protruding front teeth are more susceptible to injury, can cause speech problems, or make it hard to close the lips or mouth comfortably.

 

• Crossbite – A crossbite is when some of the top teeth sit inside of the bottom teeth when teeth are closed together. You can have an anterior cross bite (front teeth) or a posterior crossbite (back teeth). Typically, crossbite teeth from thumb sucking or a pacifier is a posterior crossbite: the sucking action causes a narrow upper arch (which Dr. Patel might suggest opening up later on with an orthodontic expander).

 

Crossbites can lead to jaw pain and uneven enamel wear because the teeth don’t stack together well. And sometimes a child with a crossbite tries to compensate by shifting the jaw to one side, further causing mismatched jaw growth.

 

• Open bite – What is an open bite? Have your child close their teeth together, like when they say “cheeeese!” for a photo. If your child’s top teeth don’t overlap their bottom teeth (in an overbite or normal bite) or their lower and upper arches don’t touch at all, this is considered an open bite. An open bite can contribute to speech problems, or swallowing and chewing issues that make eating a difficult task.

 

 

Helping your child stop thumb sucking and pacifier use in Tulsa and Claremore, OK

 

Have questions about your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use? Or concerned about the effects on their teeth? The team at The Brace Place is happy to help. 

Contact us to book a free initial consultation at our Tulsa or Claremore, OK office.

It’s holiday gift-giving time again. And if you have a new braces-wearer or Invisalign user on your list, you might be wondering about orthodontics-friendly holiday gift ideas. The team at The Brace Place is here to help. With 20+ years of experience as an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Anand Patel is super familiar with orthodontic products that help patients in caring for their braces or Invisalign.

 

Here are 5 best orthodontic products that we think make great holiday gifts.

 

 

1. A Braces Survival Kit

Getting braces is typically a bit of a life adjustment. A take-anywhere braces survival kit can help your new braces-wearer feel more comfortable and prepared when caring for their braces and teeth. We suggest finding a special pouch, small bag, or carrying case that fits their personality to hold all their to-go essentials. One they’ll feel confident pulling out when hanging out with friends, at school, or during activities.

 

What kinds of orthodontic products should you include? Well, caring for braces (and teeth!) often means keeping them clean throughout the day and alleviating discomfort. So first, consider items that help with on-the-go, easy flossing and brushing with braces: your braces-wearer will need tools for quickly and discreetly removing food debris and sugars after eating.

 

Next, think about orthodontic products that soothe braces soreness. This can sometimes happen after braces get adjusted or tightened. 

 

The best products for a braces survival kit include:

 

• A compact mirror
• Floss picks
• Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste 
• Mouthwash
• Lip balm
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Orthodontic wax to create a barrier between braces and the inside of lips or cheeks

 

And how about Invisalign supplies? The items above work great for Invisalign wearers, too. Just swap out the orthodontic wax for Invisalign-specific products — like a case to hold their clear aligner trays (when they’re taken out during eating or drinking anything other than water), or Movemint clear aligner mints. Movemints are a breath-freshening alternative to clear aligner chewies.

 

What are “chewies?” Chewies are one of the many Invisalign products that make Invisalign wearing even easier. You bite on them to push aligner trays back into their correct positions after you’ve taken them out.

 

 

2. Electric Toothbrush

Does an electric toothbrush really clean better than a manual one study has shown that brushing — with braces or not — can be more effective with an electric toothbrush than with a manual one. Over this 11-year study, electric toothbrush participants showed 18% less tooth decay than those using a manual toothbrush. 

 

In the study, electric toothbrushes were more effective at removing food particles from teeth. In turn, that makes them better at preventing tooth decay and gum disease in the long run. They also have built-in tech, like timers and modes to ensure you’re brushing your best — with braces or without. 

 

And if you’re wondering how to clean your Invisalign trays? Use your electric toothbrush to give them a gentle brush before popping the trays back in your mouth. 

 

How To Choose An Electric Toothbrush For Brushing With Braces

Choose one with a rotating and oscillating head, sometimes called a sonic toothbrush. Some are designed specifically for brushing with braces by dental and orthodontic supplies brands Phllips Sonicare and Oral-B. If you’re not sure which one to choose, feel free to ask us. We’re here to help our patients figure out the best orthodontic products that work for them.

 

 

3. Water Flosser

We know flossing with braces can be a little tricky at first. One of the most helpful orthodontic products, a water flosser is easier to maneuver than dental floss and can get an even cleaner clean. According to one study, using a water flosser can reduce plaque by 75% versus cleaning with dental floss. 

 

Now, with all your holiday spending, it’s nice to know that water flossers come in a variety of models to suit different budgets and needs. And if you have children, Waterpick® has kid-friendly ones that make flossing — with braces or without — a fun activity. Kid water flossers are scaled smaller, brightly colored, and even come with fun stickers. They also typically come with a lower pressure range to accommodate more sensitive gums.

 

Want to really encourage flossing? Make flossing with braces more fun with orthodontic products like Superfloss and Cocofloss.

 

 

4. Ice Cream, Gelato or Frozen Yogurt Gift Card

As mentioned earlier, sometimes having braces can cause some oral discomfort. Especially after tightening or adjustments. And although Invisalign treatment doesn’t require adjustments, it comes with its own uncomfortable phases, typically when switching from one set of trays to the next.

 

Soothe your loved one’s oral pain with a cold treat gift. Gift cards are popular holiday gift ideas and for those going through orthodontic treatment, a gift card for a favorite ice cream, gelato or frozen yogurt place can make oral discomfort a little more sweet. 

 

We give a thumbs up to ice cream, gelato or frozen yogurt because they’re soft foods that won’t damage braces. But it goes without saying that they still have sugar, so braces-wearers should rinse with water or brush their teeth afterwards to minimize sugar bugs. And enjoy in moderation, of course!

 

Want to ensure you’re balancing sweet treats with healthy foods? Dr. Patel and the team at The Brace Place suggest teeth-happy snacks for braces like fruits, veggies and homemade energy bites.

 

5. Refillable Water Bottle

Last but not least, a reusable water bottle is one of those holiday gift ideas that promotes health all-around. There’s no downside to encouraging your loved one to hydrate while caring for their braces and teeth with a sugar-free drink. For Invisalign wearers, the great thing about a refillable water bottle is that they don’t have to take out their clear aligners to quench their thirst.

 

 

The Gift of Orthodontic Care For the Holidays

Well, that wraps up our top 5 holiday gift ideas for the braces- or Invisalign-wearer on your list! But if your loved one needs orthodontic treatment and hasn’t started yet, we think the holidays are a great time to start. 

Contact your Tulsa and Claremore, OK orthodontist today for a free initial consultation.

Everyone needs sleep, and good quality sleep at that. Kids especially need good sleep for developing healthy brains and bodies. Of course, sometimes kids don’t get the sleep they need — the occasional late-night sleepover, or staying up in anticipation of Christmas morning or a birthday. But if your child’s daily sleep is affected by a medical issue like sleep apnea, the lack of restorative sleep night after night can affect their health.

 

“Can kids really have sleep apnea?” You ask. You might be surprised to know that a type of sleep apnea called “obstructive sleep apnea” can happen with kids. And because orthodontics can play a part in alleviating sleep apnea, we at The Brace Place want to help parents understand it better.

 

In this post, we want to share all you need to know about child sleep apnea. We’ll answer:

 

• What is obstructive sleep apnea in kids?
• What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
• What are the signs of child sleep apnea in kids? 
• Are there complications to sleep apnea in children?
• How is obstructive sleep apnea treated in kids?
• Can early intervention orthodontics help kids breathe better?

 

What is obstructive sleep apnea in kids?

 

Obstructive sleep apnea in kids, or OSA, is most common in children ages 2-6 but can occur at any age. In this type of sleep-disordered breathing, there’s a physical blockage in the upper airway, causing pauses in breathing. That’s why it’s called “obstructive” sleep apnea, not to be confused with another sleep disorder — central sleep apnea. The latter isn’t as common in kids and, instead of a physical obstruction interrupting breathing, the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the breathing system to regulate it.

 

According to Yale medicine, child sleep apnea happens in about 2-3% of young children. Now, what’s actually happening when your child is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea? For sleep apnea in kids, muscles in their neck relax when they fall asleep, causing the tissues in their airway to fold closer together. This fully or partially blocks the flow of air through the nose and mouth, down the windpipe, and into the lungs, resulting in temporary pauses in breathing. These short pauses typically last between 10-20 seconds each, happening from five to 30 times an hour.

 

Your child starts breathing again when the brain realizes they’re not breathing, causing your child’s body to react: their head and neck muscles activate and the airway opens, allowing your child to inhale and continue breathing normally until the muscles and tissue relax again. Oftentimes the first inhalation sounds like a loud snort or choking sound. 

 

 

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

 

For many kids with obstructive sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils or adenoids contribute to their airway problems. The tonsils and adenoids — located at the back and sides of the throat — take up a lot of space in your little one’s airway. Once the surrounding tissues relax, the tonsils and adenoids take up even more space, resulting in obstructive sleep apnea.

 

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids might sound serious but they’re actually relatively common in young children and they can grow out of it. And regardless of whether or not your child’s tonsils or adenoids are disproportionately large, these tissues are susceptible to inflammation from allergies or sickness. 

 

Another contributor to child sleep apnea has to do with the alignment of your child’s jaws and teeth. As an orthodontist for over 20 years, Dr. Patel has seen how obstructive sleep apnea in kids and oral misalignment are related. A narrow mouth or a deep overbite can mean a greater chance of restricted airflow once your child goes to sleep. Conversely, sleep apnea and chronic mouth breathing can change the shape of the jaw.

 

 

What are the signs of sleep apnea in kids? 

 

Now, we hinted earlier at a few signs of child sleep apnea: choking or snorting sounds during sleep. Other signs of sleep apnea in kids are just as obvious. The most common? You might notice your child snoring, even when they’re not congested. 

 

Signs of sleep apnea in kids when they’re sleeping: 

• Heavy breathing
• Restless sleep with lots of tossing and turning
• Mouth breathing
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Wetting the bed
• Sleepwalking or night terrors

Obstructive sleep apnea can also affect your child’s waking hours. Symptoms of sleep apnea in kids during the day include:

• Sleepiness in the daytime
• Behavioral issues, including ADHD-like symptoms
• Frequent infections — chronic problems with tonsils, adenoids or ear infections

 

 

Are there complications to sleep apnea in children?

 

Child sleep apnea can negatively affect your child’s quality of life. in addition to the above symptoms, a child with sleep-disordered breathing might find themselves with:

 

• Craniofacial development issues like deficient growth in their upper jaw and face or asymmetry in facial appearance
• Forward head posture that leads to problems with spine and body alignment
• Headaches and fatigue
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Weight abnormalities
• Academic, behavioral, developmental and social difficulties
• Falling or staying asleep, sleepwalking, or restless legs syndrome

 

Sometimes sleep apnea in toddlers and children can mean your child is receiving less oxygen in their blood than is typical. A child with chronic, untreated sleep apnea can suffer permanent damage to their heart and lungs. And some medical theories say that a breathing disorder like sleep apnea can contribute to ADHD in children.

 

 

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated in kids?

 

Dr. Patel and the team at The Brace Place understand how distressing child sleep apnea can be for both your child and you, so here’s some good news: obstructive sleep apnea can be treated!

 

We first suggest taking your child to your family doctor or pediatrician for an examination. Before you go, prepare a list of sleep apnea symptoms you’ve noticed in your child, plus any questions you or your little one has. Try recording the sounds of your child sleeping a few nights in a row or take videos of them sleeping so your doctor has a record of pauses in their breathing, sharp intakes of air, snoring, or restless sleeping.

 

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms, health history, and sleep patterns and perform a physical exam. Sometimes your doctor will suggest a sleep study for sleep apnea as the best way to confirm your child’s airway problems and officially document their sleep patterns.

 

 

Types of Treatment for Child Sleep Apnea

 

Treatment for sleep apnea in children is different from child to child and depends on your little one’s age, symptoms, general health, and severity of their condition. Here are the most common airway treatments your healthcare providers might recommend:

 

Surgery: If the cause of your child’s sleep apnea is primarily enlarged tonsils or adenoids, you can get them removed with surgery. Missing them doesn’t affect your child’s day-to-day life — except that they’ll breathe and sleep better! An ear, nose and throat specialist will evaluate your child and recommend the best course of action.

 

A CPAP machine: Some kids with sleep apnea breathe easier with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This involves wearing a special mask when sleeping that delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airway open. Understandably, some children have trouble getting used to wearing a CPAP mask. But when they finally figure out how to sleep comfortably without it falling off, the change in their sleep quality and breathing is life-changing.

 

Inhaled steroid medication: You might think of bodybuilders when you hear the word “steroids.” But rest assured, the steroids we mention here for sleep apnea won’t turn your child into The Hulk. For kids with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, steroids you breathe in with an inhaler can help calm inflamed tonsils that obstruct breathing.

 

A clean-air environment: Clean air can go a long way in helping your child breathe easier. Air with secondhand smoke, indoor pollutants, and allergens can irritate and inflame, especially when they’re sleeping. HEPA air filters in your home and your child’s bedroom are considered helpful for filtering indoor air. Good indoor air quality also improves nasal congestion, a common sidekick for kids with obstructive sleep apnea.

 

Weight loss: When weight is the main reason for your child’s sleep apnea, your doctor might suggest a nutritional plan and weight loss strategy to alleviate your child’s breathing problems. Of course, this takes a lot of time, commitment and patience for both you and your child, but the reward of breathing and sleeping better is well worth the effort! Not to mention the long-term health benefits of a healthier weight and lifestyle.

 

 

Can phase 1 orthodontics help kids breathe better?

 

Once you’ve seen the doctor and have received a sleep apnea diagnosis, your Tulsa and Claremore, OK orthodontist is a resource for alleviating your child’s sleep apnea, too. As an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Patel is an expert in understanding and assessing your child’s oral and facial structures and prescribe early orthodontic treatment — also called phase 1 orthodontics — which can help with sleep apnea. Phase 1 orthodontics includes treatment like a palatal expander, which widens a narrow upper jaw and opens up the airway.

 

As we mentioned earlier, your child’s jaw alignment can both impact and contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. A narrow arch or a severe overbite can narrow the airway. Or the opposite, your child might develop jaw misalignment because of airway problems like mouth breathing or sleep apnea. 

 

So what is a palatal or orthodontic expander? A palatal expander for kids is an orthodontic appliance placed against the palate (the roof of the mouth) that incrementally pushes the upper jaw apart. Understandably, this might sound a bit scary but for kids, a palatal expander is pretty straightforward and painless. 

 

When you’re a kid, the upper jawbone is made up of two separate halves (left and right) that don’t fuse together until your mid-teen years. Turning a tiny screw on an orthodontic expander gradually widens the jaw, opening up the arch. A wider arch that also allows the top and bottom teeth to stack together properly can help open up your child’s airway and alleviate airway problems like sleep apnea or snoring.

 

 

Overcoming obstructive sleep apnea with The Brace Place

 

The family-friendly team at The Brace Place is here to help remedy your child’s sleep apnea with expert phase 1 orthodontic solutions. 

Contact us today for a free initial consultation at our Tulsa or Claremore, OK office to see how we can help your child breathe better!

You deserve a straight and healthy smile! So how does cleaning your retainer affect your oral health? Well, a retainer sits on your teeth for a long time — in fact, 8-10 hours when you’re sleeping!

So it’s not surprising that food debris, bacteria, and plaque can accumulate on your retainer. If your retainer plastic looks like it has a milky film, that’s plaque. What’s on your retainer can transfer onto your teeth and lead to tartar — the hardened form of plaque — as well as tooth decay and cavities.

The first step to a clean retainer? A soft-bristled toothbrush. We suggest having a designated toothbrush used only for cleaning your retainer. Brush your retainer daily to keep it free of sticky plaque and minimize your replacement time.

Check out these dos and don’ts for how to clean the Invisalign retainers and Essix retainers we offer at The Brace Place:

 

 

Do’s for Cleaning your Retainer

 

Do brush your retainer under cool or warm water. You might think that hot water will get rid of bacteria better. However, really hot water can warp your retainer, causing it to lose its custom shape. And if your retainer doesn’t retain its fit, your teeth may not be getting the retention they need.

Try a paste of water and baking soda. A paste of water and baking soda is a gentle yet effective everyday retainer cleaner. It kills odors, bacteria build-up, and plaque on your retainer without using chemicals. Make a mix of 50/50 water to baking soda — the mixture should be thick enough to stick to your retainer. Brush the paste inside and outside your retainer, then rinse off with cool or warm water. 

Make a fresh batch of baking soda/water paste every time you clean your retainer. That way, you minimize bacteria in the paste from the last time you dipped your toothbrush into it. 

Do soak your retainer in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide. Make a 50/50 solution of warm water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. This solution helps take away yellowness in your retainer and kills bacteria, but it doesn’t remove plaque build-up. Ensure the plaque is gone by first brushing your retainer with the baking soda paste above. Soak your retainer in this solution for 30 minutes and rinse well with warm water before putting the retainer into your mouth. 

Or soak with water and vinegar. If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide at home, you can use vinegar instead. Make a solution of 50% warm water and 50% white vinegar. Soak your retainer for 20 minutes and rinse well so you don’t taste the vinegar! 

Do use a premade retainer cleaner. Yes, you can find many ready-made retainer cleaners at the drugstore if you prefer not to make your own. We at The Brace Place understand that some patients like the convenience of a commercial product and feel more comfortable with it. 

So how do you clean retainers with a store-bought cleaner? Most, like Brite retainer cleaner, come in tablets; you simply drop one of these retainer cleaner tablets into water to activate its cleaning power. Submerge your retainer for the amount of time instructed. Retainer cleaner tablets result in clean-looking retainers, minimal to no odor, and no more bacteria. 

Not sure which one to use? Dr. Patel and the team at The Brace Place are happy to suggest which retainer cleaner tablets will work best for you.

Do drink lots of water. Water helps wash away food debris and sugars from your teeth and retainer. Food debris and sugars cause bacteria to increase and acids to weaken your tooth enamel. Weakened tooth enamel makes your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. So long story short, water keeps oral bacteria at bay. Water also helps prevent dry mouth, which is linked to tooth decay.  And a dried-out retainer is more prone to damage and hardened plaque.

Do keep your retainer case clean. Bacteria can thrive in your retainer case just as much as on your retainer. Clean your case with mild dish soap once or twice a week, then wipe with a clean paper towel or cloth. You can also put your retainer case in the top rack of your dishwasher once a week (empty, not with your retainer in it).

 

Don’ts for Cleaning your Retainer

 

Don’t clean your retainer with disinfectant wipes. You know, like the kind you’d use to wipe counters and other surfaces. These wipes say they kill most bacteria, but it’s not the same kind as the bacteria on your retainer. Plus, the chemicals in these wipes will harm your teeth and leave an unpleasant taste on your retainer.

Don’t rinse or soak with hot water. As we mentioned earlier, hot or boiling water can warp your retainer. A retainer that has lost its original shape can change the positioning of your teeth, moving them into new misalignment or allowing your teeth to shift back towards their old spots. 

Don’t use mouthwash as a retainer cleaner. You might have noticed that the wall of mouthwashes at your local drugstore is quite colorful. As nice as it is to look at, the color in your favorite mouthwash can stain your retainer’s plastic, so don’t soak your retainer with mouthwash.

Don’t brush your retainer with toothpaste. Is this a surprising no-no for how to clean retainers? Perhaps, but we don’t suggest using toothpaste to refresh your retainer because toothpaste can be too abrasive on your retainer, scratching or dulling the plastic.

Don’t store it without a case. It’s worth the extra few seconds to place your retainer in its case. Leaving your retainer out on its own or even wrapped in a tissue or napkin can dry it out, and as we mentioned previously, a dry retainer is more prone to breakage and plaque.

 

 

Cleaning Permanent Retainers

 

At The Brace Place, we not only offer Essix and Invisalign removable retainers but permanent retainers, too. A permanent retainer doesn’t have the same cleaning do’s and don’ts as a removable one since it’s made of a thin wire bonded to the backs of your teeth. To ensure permanent retainers stay clear of plaque and food debris, pay extra special attention to brushing and flossing the backs of your teeth, similar to your diligence with braces. 

 

 

Caring for your Retainers with The Brace Place

 

If you have any questions about caring for your teeth after braces or Invisalign, Dr. Patel and The Brace Place team are happy to help you find the right retainer for you and provide retainer cleaning instructions that suit your lifestyle. 

Contact us at our Tulsa, or Claremore OK office today!