At Tooth Town, we understand that the thought of your child undergoing a dental procedure under general anaesthesia can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to ensure that both you and your child feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout the process. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare for your child’s upcoming dental procedure in a hospital setting.

1. Why is General Anaesthesia Necessary for Your Child?

General anaesthesia (GA) is recommended when complex dental treatment is required, especially in young children or those who experience significant anxiety, have special needs, or need extensive dental work. It allows the dentist to perform the necessary treatments in a single session while your child is fully asleep, ensuring a stress-free experience for them.

2. Pre-Surgery Preparation for Parents and Children

Before the Procedure:

• Stay calm and reassuring: Children often pick up on their parents’ emotions, so it’s important to remain calm and positive when discussing the procedure. Explain in simple terms that the dentist will help their teeth while they sleep, and they won’t feel any pain.
• Discuss fasting requirements: You will receive clear instructions about when your child needs to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This is crucial for safety during general anaesthesia.
• Bring comfort items: If your child has a favorite toy, blanket, or book, consider bringing it to the hospital to help keep them relaxed before the procedure.
• Talk to your child about the hospital experience: Let them know that the doctors and nurses are there to help them and that they will wake up with their teeth feeling better.

On the Day of the Procedure:

• Dress comfortably: Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital, as they will need to change into a hospital gown before the procedure.
• Arrive on time: Arriving early gives you and your child time to settle in and speak with the dental and anaesthetic team before the procedure begins.
• Pre-operative meeting with the team: You will meet the anaesthetist and dental specialist on the day of the procedure. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions or voice any concerns you may have.

3. What to Expect During the Procedure

Once at the hospital, the following steps will typically occur:

• Pre-surgery preparation: Your child will change into a hospital gown, and the anaesthetic team will take their weight and vital signs to ensure everything is in order.
• Administration of anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will gently administer the general anaesthetic, usually via a mask or an intravenous (IV) line. Your child will gradually fall asleep, and the procedure will begin once they are fully asleep.
• Communication during surgery: If any changes to the planned treatment arise, the dental specialist may contact you during the procedure. Please ensure your phone is with you and on silent mode in case the dental team needs to reach you.

4. Post-Surgery: Recovery and Aftercare

Once the dental procedure is complete, your child will be moved to a recovery area where the medical team will monitor them as they wake up from the anaesthesia.

After the Procedure:

• Waking up: Your child may feel groggy, confused, or a little cranky as they wake up. This is perfectly normal and usually resolves within an hour or two.
• Pain management: If any discomfort is expected, the medical team will provide instructions for managing pain at home. It is important to follow these guidelines carefully.
• Post-operative care instructions: You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your child’s teeth and mouth following the procedure. This will include dietary recommendations and tips for keeping their mouth clean while it heals.

5. Tips for a Smooth Recovery at Home

• Monitor your child closely: Keep an eye on them for the first 24 hours after surgery to ensure they are recovering well.
• Encourage rest: Your child may be tired and should take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid any strenuous activities and allow them to rest as much as they need.
• Soft foods and fluids: Stick to soft foods and fluids as instructed by your dental team, as your child’s mouth may be sensitive for a day or two.
• Post-operative appointment: You will likely have a follow-up appointment to review your child’s healing and ensure the dental work has been successful.

At Tooth Town, we understand that the thought of your child undergoing a dental procedure under general anaesthesia can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to ensure that both you and your child feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout the process. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare for your child’s upcoming dental procedure in a hospital setting.

1. Why is General Anaesthesia Necessary for Your Child?

General anaesthesia (GA) is recommended when complex dental treatment is required, especially in young children or those who experience significant anxiety, have special needs, or need extensive dental work. It allows the dentist to perform the necessary treatments in a single session while your child is fully asleep, ensuring a stress-free experience for them.

2. Pre-Surgery Preparation for Parents and Children

Before the Procedure:

• Stay calm and reassuring: Children often pick up on their parents’ emotions, so it’s important to remain calm and positive when discussing the procedure. Explain in simple terms that the dentist will help their teeth while they sleep, and they won’t feel any pain.
• Discuss fasting requirements: You will receive clear instructions about when your child needs to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This is crucial for safety during general anaesthesia.
• Bring comfort items: If your child has a favorite toy, blanket, or book, consider bringing it to the hospital to help keep them relaxed before the procedure.
• Talk to your child about the hospital experience: Let them know that the doctors and nurses are there to help them and that they will wake up with their teeth feeling better.

On the Day of the Procedure:

• Dress comfortably: Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital, as they will need to change into a hospital gown before the procedure.
• Arrive on time: Arriving early gives you and your child time to settle in and speak with the dental and anaesthetic team before the procedure begins.
• Pre-operative meeting with the team: You will meet the anaesthetist and dental specialist on the day of the procedure. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions or voice any concerns you may have.

3. What to Expect During the Procedure

Once at the hospital, the following steps will typically occur:

• Pre-surgery preparation: Your child will change into a hospital gown, and the anaesthetic team will take their weight and vital signs to ensure everything is in order.
• Administration of anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will gently administer the general anaesthetic, usually via a mask or an intravenous (IV) line. Your child will gradually fall asleep, and the procedure will begin once they are fully asleep.
• Communication during surgery: If any changes to the planned treatment arise, the dental specialist may contact you during the procedure. Please ensure your phone is with you and on silent mode in case the dental team needs to reach you.

4. Post-Surgery: Recovery and Aftercare

Once the dental procedure is complete, your child will be moved to a recovery area where the medical team will monitor them as they wake up from the anaesthesia.

After the Procedure:

• Waking up: Your child may feel groggy, confused, or a little cranky as they wake up. This is perfectly normal and usually resolves within an hour or two.
• Pain management: If any discomfort is expected, the medical team will provide instructions for managing pain at home. It is important to follow these guidelines carefully.
• Post-operative care instructions: You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your child’s teeth and mouth following the procedure. This will include dietary recommendations and tips for keeping their mouth clean while it heals.

5. Tips for a Smooth Recovery at Home

• Monitor your child closely: Keep an eye on them for the first 24 hours after surgery to ensure they are recovering well.
• Encourage rest: Your child may be tired and should take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid any strenuous activities and allow them to rest as much as they need.
• Soft foods and fluids: Stick to soft foods and fluids as instructed by your dental team, as your child’s mouth may be sensitive for a day or two.
• Post-operative appointment: You will likely have a follow-up appointment to review your child’s healing and ensure the dental work has been successful.

Sleep is a crucial component of a child’s overall well-being and development. When it comes to children, quality sleep is essential for growth, cognitive function, and emotional stability. However, sleep-disordered breathing can disrupt a child’s rest and potentially lead to various health issues. As a parent, being aware of the signs of sleep-disordered breathing is vital to ensure your child receives the proper care and attention they need. In this article, we will explore seven signs of sleep-disordered breathing that every parent should be mindful of.

1. Snoring:

While occasional snoring is common in children, persistent loud snoring can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep. If your child is snoring or breathing heavily during sleep and occurs regularly, it may indicate an issue with their airway.

2. Breathing Pauses:

Observing breathing pauses during your child’s sleep is a significant red flag. If your child seems to stop breathing for a few seconds or takes shallow breaths during the night, it may suggest a form of sleep apnea. These pauses can disrupt your child’s sleep cycle and affect their overall sleep quality.

3. Restless Sleep:

Children with sleep-disordered breathing often experience restless sleep. If you notice your child tossing and turning, frequently changing positions, or experiencing night sweats, it might indicate their body is struggling to maintain an open airway during sleep.

4. Mouth Breathing:

Pay attention to your child’s breathing pattern during sleep. If your child predominantly breathes through their mouth instead of their nose during sleep, it could indicate an airway obstruction or nasal congestion, potentially related to sleep-disordered breathing.

5. Frequent Daytime Fatigue:

Children with sleep-disordered breathing may experience daytime fatigue and sleepiness. If your child appears excessively tired during the day, has difficulty concentrating, or seems irritable, it could be due to disrupted sleep at night caused by breathing issues.

6. Behavioral Problems:

Sleep-disordered breathing can manifest in behavioral changes. Children may experience mood swings, attention deficits, and even hyperactivity. If you notice a sudden change in your child’s behavior or academic performance, consider evaluating their sleep patterns.

7. Enuresis (Bedwetting):

Bedwetting, especially in older children who have already been toilet trained, can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. The interrupted sleep cycles can affect the brain’s ability to control the bladder during the night.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of sleep-disordered breathing in children is crucial for their overall well-being. If you observe any of these signs in your child, consider consulting a pediatrician or a sleep specialist. Early detection and appropriate management of sleep-disordered breathing can significantly improve your child’s quality of sleep and long-term health. Prioritize your child’s sleep and ensure they receive the necessary care and attention for a healthy and restful night’s sleep.

If you have concerns about your child’s quality of sleep, complete a Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire here, to see if further investigation can help your child.

Here are some published journal articles on the top may help answer some questions for you in the meantime. 

Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: New evidence on its development

Determinants of probable sleep bruxism in a pediatric mixed dentition population: a multivariate analysis of mouth vs. nasal breathing, tongue mobility, and tonsil size

Relationships among nasal resistance, adenoids, tonsils, and tongue posture and maxillofacial form in Class II and Class III children

A roadmap of craniofacial growth modification for children with sleep-disordered breathing: a multidisciplinary proposal