As a parent, you pay close attention to your child’s health, from their nutrition to their sleep. But one simple sign—how they breathe—can indicate the presence of an airway disorder.
In fact, the way your child breathes plays a significant role in how their facial structures form during their growing years. Consistent mouth breathing can affect the shape and development of your child’s face and jaws. Understanding this connection can help you support their long-term health and well-being.
Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing
Humans are designed to breathe through their noses, especially during the formative years of childhood. When this natural process is disrupted and a child begins to regularly breath using their mouth, this can change the course of their development.
Why Nasal Breathing Matters
When your child breathes through their nose, the air is warmed, humidified, and filtered before it reaches their lungs. Nasal breathing also encourages proper tongue posture—with the tongue resting gently against the roof of the mouth. This posture helps guide the healthy, forward growth of the upper jaw.
The Problem with Mouth Breathing
Habitual mouth breathing bypasses these natural benefits and changes oral posture. When a child breathes through their mouth, their tongue often rests low and forward to open the airway. This shift can alter the gentle forces that shape their jaws and facial anatomy over time.
Common Signs of Mouth Breathing in Children
Signs of mouth breathing can be subtle, especially since it often happens during sleep or when your child is focused. Paying attention to small details can help you identify a potential pattern. Here are a few things you can look for in your child:
- An open-mouth posture when they aren’t speaking or eating
- Frequent dry or chapped lips from constant air exposure
- Snoring, noisy breathing, or restless sleep at night, which may lead you to question whether they have sleep apnea
- Waking up tired, irritable, or groggy, even after a full night of rest
- Dark circles under the eyes, sometimes called allergic shiners
How Mouth Breathing Affects Your Child’s Health & Face
Mouth breathing is more than just a habit; it’s a symptom that can point to an underlying issue. Without a clear airway, the body compensates, and this compensation can influence both your child’s facial development and their overall well-being.
Changes to Facial Shape & Structure
Consistent mouth breathing changes the dynamic pressures on a child’s growing face. Over time, it may contribute to the development of specific facial characteristics. These can include:
- A longer, narrower face shape
- A high, narrow upper jaw, which may not have enough room for adult teeth
- Crooked or crowded teeth due to insufficient jaw space
- A flattened facial profile or a receding chin
Other Potential Health Concerns
Beyond facial development, mouth breathing can affect other areas of health. Poor sleep quality from obstructed breathing can impact a child’s mood, focus, and performance at school. It can also contribute to a head-forward posture as the body tries to open the airway.
The Importance of Early Action
Addressing mouth breathing early is helpful because a child’s face and jaws are actively growing. The habits they form now set the foundation for their future oral and airway health. Early guidance can make a significant difference in your child’s development.
A Critical Window for Growth
The years between ages four and twelve are a period of significant facial growth. Addressing breathing patterns during this time allows a professional to help guide the jaw and facial development. This proactive approach to children’s dentistry can support a more favourable growth pattern and may prevent more complex issues later.
How You Can Support Healthy Breathing Habits
If you’ve noticed signs of mouth breathing in your child, there are supportive steps you can take. The first is to talk with a professional who understands airway health and can assess your child’s unique situation. A collaborative approach is often very effective.
Myofunctional Therapy & Other Options
Myofunctional therapy is a program of simple exercises for the muscles of the mouth and face. The goal is to retrain these muscles to encourage proper tongue posture, a strong lip seal, and consistent nasal breathing. This therapy can help guide facial development and support a healthy airway.
The Role of Your Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist with knowledge of airway health can be a valuable resource for your family. They can evaluate your child’s oral posture, jaw development, and tooth alignment to see if mouth breathing is a concern.
If you have questions about your child’s breathing or facial development, our team at Bloom Orthodontics is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our approach to children’s dentistry.