Healthy sleep is essential for a child’s growth, learning, behavior, and overall development. Our Kidswell Program is a dedicated, child-focused approach to identifying and managing sleep-related breathing disorders early, helping children breathe better, sleep better, and thrive as they grow.
Why Sleep Matters for Growing Children
Children need high-quality, uninterrupted sleep to support:
- Brain development and learning
- Hormonal balance and growth
- Immune system function
- Emotional regulation and behavior
- Healthy dental and facial development
When sleep is disrupted due to airway obstruction, snoring, or poor breathing habits, the effects may show up during the day, not just at night.
Signs Your Child May Have a Sleep-Related Breathing Issue
Sleep disorders in children often go unrecognized because symptoms can resemble behavioral challenges or developmental concerns. Common signs include:
Night-time symptoms:
- Snoring or noisy breathing
- Mouth breathing during sleep
- Restless sleep, tossing and turning
- Teeth grinding
- Bedwetting
Daytime symptoms:
- Difficulty focusing or hyperactivity
- Irritability or emotional sensitivity
- Morning headaches
- Slow growth or feeding difficulties
- Persistent nasal congestion
If you notice any of these patterns, a screening may be beneficial.
What Is the Kidswell Program?
The Kidswell Program is our comprehensive, structured protocol for identifying and treating sleep-related breathing disorders in children through early evaluation, airway-focused dental care, and collaborative care when needed.
The program focuses on:
- Improving nasal breathing
- Ensuring proper jaw and facial development
- Reducing the risk of future orthodontic or sleep issues
- Guiding parents through each step of diagnosis and treatment
It’s not just about symptoms, it's about supporting proper growth and airway health from early childhood through adolescence.
How We Approach Care
Our process is designed to be thorough, compassionate, and educational for both parents and children.
- Comprehensive Consultation & History
We review sleep patterns, developmental milestones, behaviors, breathing habits, posture, and oral history. - Oral & Airway Evaluation
We assess tongue posture, jaw alignment, oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue ties, mouth breathing), dental wear, and airway obstruction. - Sleep Screening or Testing
When needed, we may facilitate home sleep tests or collaborate with pediatric sleep physicians for further diagnostic evaluation. - Individualized Treatment Plan
Treatment may include oral appliance therapy, myofunctional therapy, habit correction, orthodontic guidance, nasal breathing support techniques, or referral to specialists (ENT, allergist, pediatrician). - Ongoing Monitoring & Growth Tracking
We follow your child’s progress as they grow to ensure continued airway support and developmental alignment.
Treatment Options May Include
- Growth-guided oral appliances
- Myofunctional therapy (tongue & breathing exercises)
- Habit and posture correction
- Early orthodontic intervention
- In-office tongue-tie evaluation and release
- Referral to an ENT specialist when medically indicated
- Sleep hygiene and breathing pattern coaching
Our goal is to address root causes, not just temporary symptoms.
How Parents Benefit From Early Evaluation
Early airway-focused care can help prevent future issues such as:
- Chronic snoring or sleep apnea in adulthood
- Under-developed jaws requiring orthodontic correction
- Behavioral or learning challenges linked to poor sleep
- Mouth breathing habits affecting facial growth
Early intervention builds a foundation for lifelong health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What age should my child be enrolled in the Kidswell Program?
A: Children as young as age three can be evaluated. Earlier assessment means earlier intervention during key growth phases.
Q: Is this program only for children who snore?
A: No. Even children without snoring may have restricted airways, mouth breathing, or poor sleep patterns that benefit from screening.
Q: Will my child need braces as part of this program?
A: Not always. The program may guide growth to reduce future orthodontic needs, but some children may still require orthodontics later.
Help Your Child Sleep, Breathe, and Grow Better
If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with daytime focus or fatigue, the Kidswell Program may be the right place to start. Early action can transform your child’s development and long-term wellness.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help your child rest well, breathe well, and live well.