Does it matter if your child breathes through their mouth or their nose? Apparently so. Mouth breathing can affect everything from your child’s facial development to their sleep and overall health. Let’s dive into why nasal breathing is vital and how you can help your child develop healthy habits.
Why Mouth Breathing Matters
Mouth breathing during childhood can lead to underdeveloped jaws, overcrowded teeth, and even long-term health issues. Dentists and orthodontists agree: for proper facial growth and dental health, children need to breathe through their nose.
Nasal breathing ensures that the tongue is in the correct position—resting against the roof of the mouth—which helps guide proper jaw and facial development. Without this natural support, the upper jaw may become narrow, leading to crooked teeth and other orthodontic issues.
Physical Effects of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can result in:
- Long, narrow face
- Crowded teeth and smaller jaws
- Swollen tonsils
- Gummy smiles
- Dry mouth and cracked lips
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Jaw misalignment or crossbite
Health Impacts of Mouth Breathing
The consequences of mouth breathing go beyond appearance. It can:
- Disrupt oxygen levels in the body, leading to fatigue and poor concentration
- Contribute to sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea
- Exacerbate conditions like asthma, allergies, and sinus infections
- Increase the risk of gum disease and bad breath
Causes of Mouth Breathing in Children
Common causes include:
- Allergies or chronic nasal congestion
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Deviated septum
- Prolonged pacifier or bottle use
- Insufficient suckling during infancy
Treatment for Mouth Breathing
Step 1: Get an ENT Check-Up
If you suspect mouth breathing, consult an ENT specialist to rule out any obstructions, such as nasal polyps or enlarged tonsils.
Step 2: Try Myofunctional Therapy (MFT)
Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the tongue and facial muscles for proper posture and function. Exercises are often paired with orthodontic treatment to optimise results.
Simple Exercises to Encourage Nasal Breathing
- Mouth-Taping:
- Hold a sheet of paper or a toothpick between the lips to encourage a closed-mouth posture.
- Button Pull Exercise:
- Attach a thread to a button and place it inside the lips. Use lip pressure to hold the button in place as someone gently pulls the string.
- Humming:
- Encourage your child to hum with their lips closed.
Retraining Breathing Patterns
Night-time habits are key. Here’s how to help:
- Use porous surgical tape to gently tape the lips closed during sleep (consult a specialist first).
- Practice the Buteyko Method, a proven breathing technique that retrains over-breathers to breathe naturally through their nose.
- Consult a physiotherapist who specialises in breathing disorders.
Additional Tips for Modern Families
- Incorporate Breathing Exercises Into Play: Use yoga or mindful breathing games to make it fun for your child.
- Track Sleep Patterns: Apps like Owlet or Hatch can help monitor your child’s sleep quality.
- Invest in Air Purifiers: These can reduce allergens and improve nasal airflow, particularly during allergy season.
Early intervention is key to preventing the long-term effects of mouth breathing. From better jaw alignment to improved sleep, teaching your child to breathe through their nose can make a world of difference. If you notice signs of mouth breathing, consult a specialist and explore myofunctional therapy to set your child on a healthier path for life.
