Ep. 218 The Role of Dentistry in Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing with Dr. Loria Nahatis

What role does craniofacial growth play in childhood sleep health? Dr. Loria Nahatis, pediatric dentist from Beyond Pediatric Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, discusses the importance of early intervention in pediatric dentistry, focusing on evaluating and treating children with sleep disordered breathing. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Nahatis shares her personal experience with her daughter and how noticing sleep-related issues shifted her focus in dental practice. Dr. Nahatis covers various treatment methods such as habit correctors, palatal expanders, and myofunctional therapy. The podcast emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists, ENTs, and other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. Key points include the significance of nasal breathing, conservative treatment options, and the impact of jaw and dental structure on overall health. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - The Importance of Screening for Sleep Disorders in Children 06:26 - Treatment Options and Approaches 10:29 - Guidelines and Policies on Sleep Disorders 19:42 - Teeth Grinding and Myofunctional Therapy 27:32 - Imaging and Evaluation Techniques 29:01 - Surgical Considerations and Early Interventions 36:44 - Counseling Families on Oral Appliances 50:12 - Insurance and Cost Considerations 56:15 - Collaborative Approaches and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Dr. Loria Nahatis’s practice profile: https://beyondpediatricdentistry.com/dr-loria-nahatis-dds/